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England has played India in 87 Tests since India's inaugural Test in 1932. Over that time, England has held the upper hand with 32 wins, 15 losses and 40 draws.
India has previously toured England on thirteen occasions and has won only two series - in 1971 and 1986. In the 41 Tests played in England, India has only won 3 Tests with 16 draws.
Since the controversial 'double declaration' Test at Centurion against South Africa in January 2000, England has benefited from continuing good results. Over that time, England secured series victories against Zimbabwe, West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (twice). England has only lost a home series to Australia and a series in India during the same period.
England had perpetually held sixth place in the rankings for most of the 14 years before the South African tour. However, since that tour, their successes have seen them rise to third place during 2001 before settling into their current fourth place behind Pakistan.
However, for this series England now finds itself without some key players. Trescothick, who has been England's key batsman, broke his hand in a county game and will miss the series. Mark Butcher returns but has played little cricket since his knee surgery.
Andy Caddick has a rib injury that will see him miss at least the early Tests as will Alex Tudor with tendonitis. Darren Gough has also played little cricket since overcoming his own injury that kept him out of the recent series against Sri Lanka.
Overall, England is a weakened side compared to their recent exploits. While their rating suggests a series victory may be ahead of them, their injuries will make it more difficult.
England begins this series in fourth place in the rankings with 1062 points and must win the series in order to gain more points. If England concedes no more than one draw during the four Tests then they will overtake Pakistan and retake third place. If England lost every Test, they would drop below both Sri Lanka and India into sixth place.
India is currently ranked sixth with 1029 points. India needs to at least draw the series to add to their rating points. If India were to win 3-1 (including half-points for draws) then they would not only overtake fifth placed Sri Lanka, but a falling England as well to claim fourth place. India last held fourth place in January 1992.
If India loses the series then they will drop below New Zealand into seventh place. Provided India wins at least one Test (or secures two draws) then they will remain above eighth placed West Indies.
However, India has continued to have difficulties when away from their sub-continental wickets. India has not won any series away from home since their tour of Sri Lanka in 1993.
Yet, the Indians have only lost two home series since 1987. Clearly, they are competitive at home. What they need to do is overcome a mental block about touring and adapt better to foreign conditions.
India's recent tour of the Caribbean saw them decisively win the first Test only to go on and lose the five Tests series 2-1 as the pressure mounted.
Considering the batting talent available to India then they should have a better record on tour. A batting line up with the talent of Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly, Das and Laxman would normally be the envy of many sides.
On the other hand, India's bowling attack is not as strong. India has not produced a genuine pace bowler for a long time. Their slow unrewarding pitches may well be the cause for this.
India has the advantage of having played some county sides, a one-day series (which they won) and the touring West Indies A team in English conditions before the Test series begins. Given the injury riddled English and this copious period of time to adjust to English pitches, India has its best hope of victory for some time. All they need to do now is take twenty wickets in each Test.
The latest Test cricket ratings are: 1. Australia (1216); 2. South Africa (1133); 3. Pakistan (1079); 4. England (1062); 5. Sri Lanka (1034); 6. India (1029); 7. New Zealand (1025); 8. West Indies (1009); 9. Zimbabwe (911); 10. Bangladesh (838).
