India vs England Timeline: India's new test captain Shubman Gill knows he has big shoes to fill after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as the first of the five-match series starts here from Friday in what will be his first assignment as India captain. Rohit and Kohli, former skippers and batting mainstays of the team, both quit test cricket weeks before the start of India's five-test series in England.

On the other hand, England, who are playing on their home turf will be under pressure to knock-off an under-transition Indian side. Ben Stokes and company under the coaching of Brendon McCullum have changed the way England perceives Test Cricket. However, a downside is that they have missed out on another WTC Final qualification which concluded recently.

It is a golden opportunity for both sides as it will be their first assignment in the current WTC cycle. Here are top five players who will be crucial to their sides respectively.

Top Five Players To Watch Out For:

KL Rahul: His composed hundred in the second unofficial test against England Lions will bring much relief to the India team management ahead of the five-test series in England. Partnering with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the batting order, Rahul produced a chanceless knock of 116 in Northampton on a lively track. He is India's most experienced batter in these conditions and his side will certainly need him to be at his best.

Jasprit Bumrah: As far as his participation in the England series in concerned, Bumrah is planning to play in at least three Test matches, including the opener at Headingley. "Obviously, the number is not decided. First (Test) is definitely on, that is going to happen. Rest, we will see how things are, what is the workload and scenario... but yes, 3 Tests is what I can manage at the moment."

Bumrah is the best bowler in the world right now and his fitness is crucial to India's cause in the series.

Ben Stokes: England captain's form with the bat in the previous WTC cycle has been an abomination to say the least. With the minimal bowling he does for his side in the tests, his batting has to make up for that.

Jamie Smith: Already a Test centurion, Jamie Smith has shown his worth in some tough situation for England. He can bat anywhere in the batting order, can keep wickets and is a good player of spin. He will certainly be a thorn in the flesh for the Indian side.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: The 23-year-old has established himself in the international circuit as a top name with a stellar series against England at his home. Fans will look forward to replicating that in English conditions which are tricky for batters.