The World No 2 Test side will also have to fight hard to defend its reputation as they are on the brink of suffering the most Test defeats in a year. The nine-wicket loss in Ahmedabad in the first Test was England’s seventh this year, after starting as World No 1.

Another loss in the remaining three Tests will equal their record of eight losses in a year — an ordeal they have experienced thrice before, in 1984, 1986 and 1993.