India's Karun Nair endured a worrying moment in the nets ahead of the first Test match against England, which starts this Friday. The right-handed batsman was struck on the ribs by a quick one from pacer Prasidh Krishna after shying away from a defensive stroke. Despite being clearly uncomfortable, Nair was able to continue his practice session shortly after the incident, allaying fears about his fitness.

This Test is a big moment for Nair, who is likely to be included in India's playing XI for the first time since 2017. The Karnataka batsman, who infamously made a triple century against England in 2016, had been out of favor with the selectors for quite some years. But a consistent run in domestic cricket got him back in the reckoning, and now he has a golden opportunity to stake his claim in international cricket once again.

Meanwhile, England announced their playing XI for the opening Test with notable changes. Chris Woakes, back from an ankle injury, has replaced Sam Cook on the team. Brydon Carse has also been added, replacing Gus Atkinson, who is unavailable due to a hamstring injury. These changes are made in a bid to strengthen England's all-around potency and fast-bowling options.

England Go for Experience Over Youth in Batting Lineup

Woakes' comeback provides England's lower order with extra depth, playing at No. 8, while permitting Jamie Smith to bat at No. 7 as a specialist wicketkeeper-batter. Ollie Pope has been chosen ahead of 21-year-old Jacob Bethell at No. 3, indicating that England is banking on experienced hands even though Pope's figures against India and Australia have been subpar.

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Pope, who had last scored 171 against Zimbabwe, has a low average of 22.05 in Tests against top teams, but his average of 35.49 places him in the running. Bethell, promising as he has been with three fifties in three games, will have to wait for his turn. England's lineup is indicative of a strategy in favor of stability and depth for the opening high-stakes game.