Thaindian News

London, Aug 23 (IANS) Having outplayed India 4-0 in the cricket Test series, England captain Andrew Strauss said they are confident of beating the world champions in the limited overs internationals.

England and India will clash with five ODIs beginning Sep 3.

“Confidence is high. Here’s an opportunity to take on the World Cup winners. There’s plenty to be excited about in that one-day series, and I’m sure we’ll be very keen to finish the summer again being unbeaten,” said Strauss.

Strauss said they cannot take their foot off the pedal having become the top Test team.

“The greatest pitfall is that feeling that you’ve done it all, therefore you’re not willing to put in the hard work. I’d be very disappointed if we fell into that trap, It’s not what we’re about as a unit,” Strauss was quoted as saying in Sky Sports.

Strauss, despite the fact that he will be taking a four-month break from England duty, is aware of the dangers of complacency.

“We’ve got some very stern challenges ahead this winter in the sub-continent. That’s an area of the world that we still need to improve in, and it’s going to be a big challenge for us there.”

England will face Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and away to Sri Lanka before returning for Tests in the new year.

“We’ve got some very stern challenges ahead this winter in the sub-continent,” he continued.

“That’s an area of the world that we still need to improve in, and it’s going to be a big challenge for us there.

“It’s very different out there in the heat and humidity, so we need to keep adapting our skills. Winning away from home is always more difficult.

Strauss said they have to be competitive at home against anyone in the world.

“Away from home is harder, so we’re going to have to challenge ourselves to improve away from home.”