England take on India in the five-match Test series beginning on Wednesday with both sides boasting an an array of talent.

Ahead of the opening game at Edgbaston, we have compiled our combined best starting 11 featuring some of the biggest names in world cricket:

MURALI VIJAY

Test matches: 57

Runs: 3907

Average: 40.69

The fact that the Indian management is in a dilemma between Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul for the opening slot, tells you how highly rated Murali Vijay is. He scored his first overseas century on the 2014 tour with 146 at Trent Bridge and since then scored 11 half-centuries and eight tons including twice against England.

ALASTAIR COOK

Test matches: 156

Runs: 12,145

Average: 46.65

Got his fair share of criticism during the disappointing New Zealand tour in February where his top score was just 14. But his 70 against Pakistan in May showed how vital he still is to England. The former captain will be under pressure but given his extraordinary tally in this format, Cook should be more than capable of letting the bat do the talking.

JOE ROOT

Test matches: 69

Runs: 5960

Average: 52.28

The Yorkshireman has happy memories from the last time he faced India on English soil, top-scoring with 518 runs in the 3-1 series win. The spotlight will be on the 27-year-old captain, who will be keen to show why he is ranked third in the ICC ranking for Test batsman. His form has been impressive lately which bodes well for England’s chances.

VIRAT KOHLI

Test matches: 66

Runs: 5,554

Average: 53.40

The 29-year-old endured a miserable time in 2014 against England, averaging 13.40 in the five Tests. But the fact that he is now the second best batsman in the Test rankings shows how much he has improved in the space of four years. Has struck centuries on the tours of Australia, West Indies, Sri Lanka and South Africa and given his extraordinary talent, there’s no reason why he can’t add to that list this time round.

BEN STOKES

Test matches: 42

Runs: 2579

Average: 34.85

Wickets: 98

Average: 33.83

Stokes didn’t score a single run in the India Test series in 2014. Back then, he was batting as one of the lower order players but gradually adopted an aggressive batting style that saw him promoted up the order to No6. Whether it’s with the white or red ball, Stokes has become a key figure in all formats and he can’t be overlooked.

JONNY BAIRSTOW

Test matches: 54

Runs: 3341

Average: 38.40

Since taking over from Matt Prior behind the stumps, the Yorkshireman has made the wicket-keeper position his own. Having overcome a difficult start, Bairstow has improved dramatically and even at number seven in the line-up, he’s more than capable of reviving the innings or finishing the job if needed.

JOS BUTTLER

Test matches: 20

Runs: 945

Average: 35.00

The 27-year-old looked set to make his mark at the Test level after scoring two half-centuries against India in the 2014 series. But it has been a rollercoaster ride for the wicket-keeper/batsman as he paid the ultimate price for his poor scores in the longer format. Yet, his showings in ODIs and T20s – especially in the IPL – saw him recalled for the Pakistan series in May and made the most of his opportunity with scores of 67 and 80.

RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN

Test matches: 58

Wickets: 316

Average: 25.34

He’s no longer in the ODI and T20 teams but his Test record speaks for itself. Has tormented batsmen on Indian wickets and his spell with Worcestershire – where he claimed 20 wickets in four matches – is a sign that more Test wickets could be on its way over the next six weeks.

STUART BROAD

Test matches: 118

Wickets: 417

Average: 28.89

There have been a few question marks over the future of the Nottinghamshire pacer but the 32-year-old has let the ball do the talking. Making his return after injury for Notts last week, Broad is set for his 119th Test cap and build on his six-wicket haul in Leeds Test against Pakistan.

JAMES ANDERSON

Test matches: 138

Wickets: 540

Average: 27.23

It will be interesting to see how the 35-year-old fares having returned from a six-week rest following a shoulder injury. Having established himself as England’s all-time Test wicket-taker, the Lancashire man is one of the first names on the team sheet and selectors will be hoping for an encore from Jimmy who dismissed Kohli four times in 2014.

ISHANT SHARMA

Test matches: 82

Wickets: 238

Average: 35.52

India have been unfortunate to lose pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the start of the series but in Ishant Sharma, they have someone who isn’t short of Test experience. Once he gets going, he can prove to be a handful and his stint for Sussex this summer will surely be beneficial.