The start of every Test series is accompanied by a frisson of excitement, but if it is more pronounced in the run-in to India’s five-match showdown against England, it’s not without good reason.

Over the last 21 months, England have shaped up into an entertaining, exhilarating Test side, their unique style of attacking batsmanship wowing the masses and stacking up results. The management team of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum has revitalised England’s sagging Test fortunes with its investment in ‘Bazball’, which will face its sternest examination yet on Indian soil.