I HOPE I'm wrong and England play well – but I can't see past India to win this Test series.

You've seen the pitches they've been preparing for the teams that have toured there, New Zealand being the most recent example.

They've prepared absolute turners for Ashwin and Jadeja and I don't think there's any better bowlers in subcontinental conditions. You've got to be world-class to get runs there.

Home advantage works anywhere. It could be a green seamer in England and India would be up against it.

The first Test is going to set the tone for the series and it's something I'm sure England will have spoken about.

If they start well today, they can win some games. They do have plenty of quality and character but I fear it's going to be a tough few weeks.

I'll be interested to see what they do regarding selection. Unfortunately, I fear for Gary Ballance. He's obviously a brilliant player but he's just found himself in a run of poor form and under pressure for his place.

Whether he plays in the first Test or not, I'm certain he can still play a big part for England. I certainly wouldn't be writing Gaz off as an international player.

It's not as if he's unproven at that level and he averaged 50 for 12-18 months not so long ago. All it takes is a good couple of months with Yorkshire and he's back in.

I've probably said before about the likes of Keaton Jennings and Nick Gubbins – players pop their heads up who aren't the obvious candidates.

The same goes with those who have had a chance before. Look at Jonny Bairstow. He's a great example.

Some people had probably written him off as not being good enough. They said his technique wasn't good enough for international cricket – but look what he's done in the last 12 months.

I'm not often that negative about English cricket but I think there could be a spot available somewhere in the order come the last Test or so. With that in mind, whoever is on the sidelines needs to be ready to take their chance.

After this series, England have a long break from Test cricket. They don't play until early July against South Africa.

With that in mind, it's absolutely perfect timing for Gary to get away from it and have some time to himself and then with Yorkshire in pre-season and early next summer.

Being mentally fresh is a big thing for me. You've got to be in the best position to perform and enjoying it is a big part of that.

We all play because we enjoy it – but if it's a task to get up in the morning to go training or even to play a game, it becomes anything but enjoyable. I know that from experience.

We've been away for a little over a month from cricket at Yorkshire but I'm itching to get back to batting again. This time last year, I couldn't have thought of anything worse. Sometimes you go through phases and Gary might just need a bit of time to reset himself.

We are back in pre-season training at Headingley on Monday. It's a quick turnaround but we have this culture within the group that we want to be the fittest cricketing side, as well as the best. It's an important part of our identity as a team and squad.

There is a focus on fitness initially but it is also down to a player's personal choice as to whether they get back into skills immediately. I'll be starting to bat again because I'm looking to go away and play some cricket in the New Year.

It's not long before the fixtures are out for the new season as well and it is looking likely we will be playing some Championship cricket under lights in 2017 with a pink ball.

My view on that hasn't really changed over the last couple of years. I'm not a big fan but if we are going to give it a go, I will be going into it wholeheartedly.

My biggest reservation is with the pink ball. I didn't really take to it when we played the champion county matches in Abu Dhabi. If they can develop a better ball, I wouldn't be too sceptical.

I also like the tradition that goes with first-class cricket. I can't imagine going to Lord's, for example, and playing with a pink ball.

Tradition is part of the reason why I fell in love with cricket. I might change my view if I get 170-odd against a pink ball next season, though.

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