With the series down under almost 100 days away, Steve James looks at how England fared against India and picks his starting XI and back-ups while deciding who should stay at home

This series was a run-fest, with an astonishing 21 centuries made. Again, Gill was at the front of the queue with four. In 2005, there were only eight, with England’s Andrew Strauss the only one to make more than one.

England played out a thrilling 2-2 series at home to India, showcasing most of the strengths and weaknesses that will likely define their Ashes tour.