England vs India: Will tourists miss Virat Kohli? Jacob Bethell or Ollie Pope at No 3? Do England have half an eye on the Ashes?

England is set to face India in an eagerly anticipated five-Test series starting this Friday at Headingley. This series is not only crucial for the home side to assert their dominance but also serves as the final opportunity to evaluate their squad ahead of the upcoming Ashes. With Virat Kohli absent from the Indian lineup, questions arise about whether his absence will impact the tourists' performance and give England an early advantage. A significant point of discussion for England is their batting order, particularly the No. 3 position. The team management faces a tough choice between the promising Jacob Bethell and the experienced Ollie Pope. Bethell has shown immense potential, while Pope brings a wealth of experience and stability. Their decision could play a pivotal role in England's strategy against a formidable Indian bowling attack. Beyond the immediate challenge, England's selectors and coaching staff are undoubtedly keeping an eye on the Ashes series this winter. The performance of players in this series will likely inform their decisions for the high-stakes contest against Australia. Balancing the need to win now with the foresight required for the future will be a delicate task, as England aims to build a squad capable of reclaiming the Ashes.

— Authored by Next24 Live