This series begins a potentially era-defining period for Stokes and England coach Brendon McCullum, having enjoyed plenty of highs and lows over the past few years, with the Ashes series in Australia next up in the Test format, starting in November.
Ashwin warned that England may have 'poked the bear' with their recent behaviour, pointing to the post-match tensions in Manchester and now the Oval pitch spat as signs that India are being pushed into a corner - a place where they historically thrive.
Former Australian fast bowler Gordon Rorke passed away at the age of 87
The twin retirements mean India will not only have a new captain at the helm but will be without two of their most experienced players.
Australia retained the urn after rain washed out the final day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, leaving England trailing 2-1 in the series.
'...he's not shown any obvious signs of dismissal and he's played stylishly.'
The push for a two-tier system gained traction following Australia's blockbuster series against India, which set attendance records.
Smith said the IPL has helped him get used to play alongside rival international players and he is eager to play alongside Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been leading Sussex this season.
'It does look like quite a dry surface and I think the footmarks will definitely come into play as the game wears on.'
The India skipper will be eyeing the great Don Bradman's 88-year-old record for most runs by a captain in a Test series.
India's cricketing journey post-independence is a saga of triumphs! From iconic World Cup wins to unforgettable Test series victories, the nation's passion for cricket shines through.
Anderson said India have put together a "strong squad" for the series in England following retirements of batting greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Former captain Tim Paine has been appointed coach of the Australia 'A' team for this season with the country approaching a transition to a new generation of players as a handful of Test stalwarts near retirement.
England are seeking a replacement for Leach, whose injury was the latest setback to their bowling department in the build-up to the series, with fast bowler Jofra Archer also ruled out due to an elbow injury.
'Yeah, really pleasing, really happy and proud of the way we have all played and how we have represented our country.'
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar struck unbeaten centuries as India staged a superb fightback on the final day to draw the fourth Test against England.
'We cannot say suddenly that Crawley and Pope have solved the technical and mental issues that have dogged their careers because the Zimbabwe bowling was so average.'
Former England skipper Alastair Cook backed Ollie Pope to retain the No. 3 spot in the batting line-up ahead of Jacob Bethell during the upcoming five-match Test series against India.
Karun Nair has managed only 131 runs across six innings at a below-par average of 21.83, in the first three Tests against England.
Applications have been invited for leading positions in bowling, batting, and sports science and medicine departments at BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
'Whenever India bowls, Reiffel feels it's not out. Whenever India bats, he feels it's out.'
Leach was ruled out of the five-match series on Sunday due to a stress fracture in his back
IMAGES from Day 1 of the opening Ashes Test played between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Friday.
Virat Kohli on Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket, after a 14-year career.
Vaughan slams Crawley for failing to pounce on opportunities
Fast bowler James Anderson replacing Ollie Robinson in the side that won at Headingley.
Bhai, tune kya batting kiya hai, kamaal ka batting kiya tune'
'This England team has openly advertised that they will go for the target whatever may be the target. So as a batting line-up, we've to keep in mind that we have to give them less time but give a bigger target.'
England Test captain Ben Stokes hopes he can become a dominant force with both bat and ball again when the all-rounder returns from hamstring surgery.
Stokes, the leading wicket-taker of the series with 17 scalps, will be a mere spectator at The Oval, robbing the series finale of his charismatic on-field presence.
The five-match Test series against India at home is a massive test for England's 'Bazball' brand of cricket under skipper Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.
Archer played in his first first-class match in four years during Sussex's County Championship game against Durham at Chester-le-Street on Sunday and took one wicket for 32 from 18 overs.
England's batting once again disappointed against Australia on Day 2 of the third Test
England head coach Brendon McCullum believes India have arrived well-prepared and full of belief for the upcoming five-match Test series
It was crucial for Shubman Gill to score truckload of runs to call the shots as skipper, former India batter Dilip Vengsarkar said in Mumbai on Wednesday.
A superb century from Ben Duckett helped steer England to a sensational five-wicket win in the first Test against India after a thrilling day five on Tuesday.
England fast bowler Jofra Archer will play his first One-day International for 18 months in Thursday's clash with Australia at Trent Bridge, stand-in captain Harry Brook said on Wednesday.
Take a look at the numbers and narratives that made Edgbaston Test one for the ages.
The ticket prices for the Lord's Test involving India and England next summer have been increased again despite a tepid response from the fans for the game against Sri Lanka this season.
Arjun Patolia, 36, came from London to his ancestral village Vadiya in Amreli district to immerse Bharati's ashes in the Narmada, as per her last wish.