England captain Ben Stokes should be "good to go" for the First Test against India on Thursday, according to coach Brendon McCullum.

Stokes had surgery on a long-standing knee injury in November.

The problem had increasingly incapacitated the 32-year-old, who rarely bowled during last summer's Ashes and not at all in the World Cup that followed.

His operation has left him in a race against time to feature from the off in the five-match series in the subcontinent.

McCullum said: "I've seen him running around and I think he's good to go.

"We'll obviously make that call as late as we need to. But he's put all the work in and we'll just have to wait and see.

"He looks like a greyhound. He's put the work in, everyone knows his work ethic is phenomenal."

Star batter Harry Brook is certain to be absent after returning home to deal with a personal issue, although a return later in the tour has not been ruled out.

And spinner Shoaib Bashir is also likely to sit out of the Hyderabad Test after experiencing visa issues.

McCullum said: "The time that Bash had with the squad over in Abu Dhabi, where he fitted in seamlessly, will serve him greatly. 

"We've also got a little bit of support out there for him so he's not on his own.

"We're hoping the news will come through today that his visa has been approved, then we'll get him to sink his teeth into this series."

India talisman Virat Kohli will also miss the first two Tests due to his own personal issues.

A BBCI statement announced that "certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention".