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LONDON: England captain Andrew Strauss is looking to his team to produce “something special” against India as they bid to replace their opponents at the top of the world Test rankings.
The first of a four-match series starts at Lord's – Strauss's home ground – on Thursday and England will go top of the ICC's Test table if they win by two matches.
“We have a great opportunity to play some really good cricket and hopefully pull off something special in the next five weeks,” Strauss said.
“India are a very, very good cricket side, they have been for a while now, and if you want to be the best in the world you have to beat sides like India.
“We have home advantage, which I think counts for a lot, and I think we have to use that wisely.
“Being number one is a long-term goal for us. It's not necessarily just what the statistics say, it's more about being regarded number one by the other sides as well.
“We are going to go out and be determined to win every match in this series and if we get in a winning position it's important we're ruthless and make that count,” the opening batsman added ahead of a series that sees England up against former coach Duncan Fletcher, now in charge of India.
England would appear to have just the one selection headache with the fit-again Tim Bresnan challenging fellow seamer Stuart Broad for a place in a four-man attack featuring off-spinner Graeme Swann.
“Someone is going to miss out, but I am very happy with the balance of squad we have,” Strauss added.
“All our bowlers offer us something slightly different.
“What we have to decide is what's the best combination to take 20 wickets on this pitch.
“No-one has a God-given right to play in the XI. We know both Stuart and Tim Bresnan have offered a lot for us over the last 12 months or so.
“It's not going to be an easy selection to make, but in a way it's a good thing for us.”
