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India v England, 1st ODI, Delhi

'We are going to play positive cricket': Strauss

March 26, 2006

Andrew Strauss: 'The one-day series is a big challenge for us' © Getty Images

"The one-day series is a big challenge for us. India is a great one-day side but we are looking forward to carry forward the momentum of the Test series," Strauss said in a press conference ahead of the first match to be played in Delhi on Tuesday.

"The warm-up match was a really useful workout. We have been practising especially for the one-dayers and we have done well in the Test series. We are going to play positive cricket," he said.

Strauss said India were a class one-day side and to underestimate them on the basis of the Test defeat in Mumbai or the absence of Sachin Tendulkar would be foolhardy. "We are keen to go out there and play. We know the potential of the Indian team and we are not underestimating them. They are a good one-day side. We lost the warm-up match and that shows the strength India has."

On Tendulkar's recent run of bad form, he said, "Sachin is a great cricketer and every player goes through a lapse of form. He is going through the same phase."

Strauss also said that playing against a team of India's calibre would give England a chance to know their strengths before the 2007 World Cup. "I am one of the oldest in the side which seems strange. But it also shows that there is so much talent with young players coming in and doing well. It is good for the English cricket," he said.

"Guys who came in the Test series have done well and now there are some new players in the one-day side. The one-dayers will provide opportunity to newcomers to stake their claim."

On Andrew Flintoff's captaincy, he said, "He has done a fantastic job. He did not get enough time to prepare for the job but he was inspirational and led from the front and all the boys supported him."

© PTI