Vaughan due a big series

Having touched down in India, England's players will already be turning their minds to the business of the three-Test series, which begins at the start of next month.

India have a fabulous home record in Test series over the past 30 years, losing just three series, and England know they will have to dig deeper than ever if they're to bounce back from their defeat in Pakistan before Christmas.

The stunning Ashes victory of last summer probably feels a lifetime away to the England players, but the batsmen in particular have a massive job to do if they're to match India's fearsome line-up.

bet365 are going with form in their market for the top England batsman of the series, making Marcus Trescothick the 3/1 (4.00) favourite to come out on top. In his past 10 Tests, the left-handed opener averages almost 60, head and shoulders above any other member of the squad.

He also has enjoyed success against India in the past, averaging 59.16 against Rahul Dravid's side and though his average away from home dips to 36, he is a worthy favourite.

Andrew Strauss, who has the highest average in the squad, at 46.31, is 4/1 (5.00), the same price as Kevin Pietersen, who averages 44 in his past 10 matches. Pietersen never really mastered Shane Warhne in the summer, though, and it's hard to see him taking the game to Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.

Captain Michael Vaughan could be the best value of the lot at 9/2 (5.50). The skipper is due a big series, and has also done well against India in the past, with a magnificent average of 90 against them in six Tests. His form may not have been quite up there in recent series, but as I said, he is due a big series total and this could be the one.

Ian Bell, an 11/2 (6.50) chance, is still to prove himself fully at the top level, while Andrew Flintoff appears long at 7/1 (8.00). However, you have to remember that there is a good chance he may miss the final Test to be with his wife, who is due to give birth around the same time.

And Paul Collingwood is the big outsider at 12/1 (13.00) but he is not a heavy scorer, and batting down the order reduces his chances further.