The 2000th Test

Also, this is 100th test match between the rulers and the ruled, and what could be more fantastic venue for such a milestone match than Lords.

With just hours to go until the opening test match between England and India, it is almost time for the talking to stop and the action to begin. Almost.

There is no doubt that this is a series that splits opinion. Some believe England's home advantage is key to their success, while others are backing India to show why they are the No.1 test team in world cricket.

Putting things simply, we have two very strong teams going head to head. That's why everyone is looking forward to it so much. Several of the world's top players are involved in the four test matches and it should be enthralling stuff from start to finish.

Like with any series, the first test match is crucial to setting the tone. To go 1-0 down with three to play isn't a position either side wants to be in. So, with this in mind, where will the contest between England and India be won and lost?

Of course there are lots of factors to this, however, let's look at three key battles going into the five days at the home of cricket.

Alastair Cook v Zaheer Khan

Much has been made of the contest between Zaheer Khan and England captain Andrew Strauss. This is understandable of course given Strauss' struggles against left arm seamers of late, but it must not be forgotten how important Alistair Cook is to England right now.

Strauss' wicket will always be important for England's opponents, regardless of his form, but it is perhaps his opening partner that is the man to fear at the top of the order.

As India's senior bowler, Zaheer would love to get under the skin of Cook early on. This is no mean feat these days considering the composure of the 26-year-old in the test arena, so it would be a significant scalp for the tourists if they can get him cheaply at Lords.

Cook averaged 127 during the recent Ashes series and followed this up with an average 97.50 against Sri Lanka in three tests earlier this summer. England have started to bank on his runs and if Zaheer can eliminate his threat, it could be crucial for the end result.

This isn't to say England don't have strong batsman to come, but Cook has consistently given them good starts in the last six months or so and to prevent this would perhaps upset the hosts' game plan.

Eoin Morgan v Suresh Raina

If there is one thing we know about England and India, it is that they have several potential match-winners in their batting line-up. Cook and Strauss have already been mentioned, but then there is Jonathon Trott, Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell to consider.

As for India, they may well be without Virender Sehwag, but you don't have to look to far before finding batsman that are capable of scoring centuries.

Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman - their names alone tell you how much quality there is in the India batting line-up.

In a tight match though, it could perhaps be the progress of the more inexperienced No.6 batsman that plays a pivotal role in the end result. Eoin Morgan and Suresh Raina are the men in question and with only 20 test matches between them, they are both looking to cement their place in their respective teams.

The role of a No.6 batsman is always crucial in test matches. You have no idea what the situation is going to be when you come to the crease, so your mentality has to adjust accordingly.

Then, you are often charged with batting alongside the lower order as the team attempts to score as high a total as possible. This is sometimes a difficult role and whether Morgan or Raina handles it better could be key to the Lords encounter.

Andrew Strauss v MS Dhoni

As we look ahead to the first of four test matches, the battle between the two captains cannot be underestimated. It starts with the toss of the coin and is followed by tactical decisions, maintaining a positive body language and ultimately attempting to lead your team to victory.

Both Dhoni and Strauss have faced criticisms in the past for being too negative. In a tight series, this theory could well be tested. Neither will want to lose the first match, but how much will they push for victory?

One thing Strauss appears to have over Dhoni is the men he can throw a ball too. England's bowling line-up is settled, knows the conditions and find themselves in excellent form.

India are more than capable with the ball of course, but the tour match against Somerset perhaps highlighted their lack of depth when things are going against them in the field.

There is a lot at stake for Strauss and Dhoni too in what could be a pivotal series for their captaincy.

The England skipper has the chance to lead his team to the top of the world rankings, while India's leader is aiming for one of his most famous series wins as captain.

There are of course many other factors to take into account ahead of the first test (with the in-form Chris Tremlett v Sachin Tendulkar an interesting example), but there is no doubt that these three battles will play their part in deciding who has the upper hand at Lords.

Bring it on.

Teams:

India (From): MS Dhoni(w/c), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Abhinav Mukund, Wriddhiman Saha, Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan, S Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar

England (From): Andrew Strauss(c), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior(w), Stuart Broad, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Chris Tremlett