India, June 19 -- Less than a day off from the start of a fast-paced and intense summer of Test cricket as India visit England for a five-match series, the verbal back-and-forth and mind games have begun in full flow. The psychological aspect of long, extended tours such as these cannot be downplayed, and ahead of the opening match at Headingley in Leeds, battle lines are starting to be drawn.

One of the first steps from the England camp emerged through Ben Stokes' press conference on the eve of the match, where he challenged the visiting Indian team to stand up and fight with every man, rather than expect Jasprit Bumrah to create magic for them.

Asked regarding the England team's concern for a player widely considered the best pace bow...