THE FIRST Test match of any series is considered to be very important as it sets a tone for the remainder of the series. It becomes more important for the touring team as they have to acclimatise with the weather, ground conditions, and the pitch, etc. As far as India is concerned, they have done relatively well under the MS Dhoni’s captaincy in the first Test match in different tours. He expects his team to perform well in the first Test match against England, which starts today.

In 2009, when the Indian team toured New Zealand they were alien to the conditions, but still they were able to beat New Zealand in their own backyard under Dhoni’s captaincy in Hamilton. They won the series as they drew the rest of the matches in the tour.

 In January 2010, the team toured Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, where they defeated Bangladesh in the first Test match by 113 runs at Chittagong. They won the series 2-0. Later, during the year they had to travel for a tough series against the Sri Lankans at home. The Lankans are always considered favourites in their home conditions. Indeed, Sri Lanka showed its class and defeated the Indians in the first match of the tour by 10 wickets. But the Indians came back in the tournament and drew the series 1-1, as they won the final Test match at Colombo.

In December 2010, the Indian team headed towards South Africa for an all important tour. They were thrashed by the Porteas in the first Test match of the series as India lost the match by an innings and 25 runs at Centurion. Still, they managed to level the series by winning the second Test match and the third Test match was drawn.

The Indian team has only played one Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean this year, which they won comfortably. In MS Dhoni’s absence the team was led by Suresh Raina. The first Test match of the series was played in Kingston, where the Indians defeated the West Indian side by 63 runs. The other two Test matches were drawn; hence they won the series 1-0.

If we look at the above figures, the Indian team has not been consistent when it comes to playing against top sides in the first Test match of the tour - as seen above when they toured South Africa and Sri Lanka. The Indian team must be quick off their blocks in the upcoming tour against England as they are very competitive side at home.