Mind over matter for India batters: Rahane

India's batsmen face a test of character when they take on hosts England in their five-match Test series starting at Edgbaston on Wednesday, says vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane.

India were beaten 3-1 in the Test series on their last tour of England four years ago as the team led by MS Dhoni struggled for consistency in all departments.

However, Rahane believes the current squad has what it takes to reverse that result. The middle-order batsman is a fine example of how far the squad has come in four years; when India last toured England, he had just five Tests to his name, and applied himself well in the foreign conditions, with a century and a pair of fifties.

Now 30, Rahane has played 45 Tests, scored nine hundreds and even captained India in Virat Kohli's absence, most recently against Afghanistan last month.

"In terms of skill both teams are on par. It will be a test of our mind and character here," Rahane said.

"We want to play good cricket rather than think about the result. If you (think about the result) you put pressure on yourself ... it's all about mindset, especially playing in England, and how quickly you adjust and handle the situation."

India lost the one-day international series 2-1 while they won the Twenty20 competition by the same margin, but the white-ball showdowns were the appetisers to what promises to be an absorbing five-match Test series.

Rahane said the key to succeeding in the longest format would be to play with patience and respect the conditions.

"Patience is the key in England," he said. "It also depends on the weather: if it's sunny, it's very good to bat. If it is cloudy it is good for the bowlers.

"If the weather changes, it is important for the set batsman to hold back, respect the bowler and the conditions. If you are really set here, you should make it count."