England ready to take on India, says Moores

Mumbai, Nov 7 (UNI) England coach Peter Moores today said his wards are mentally prepared for the upcoming series against India and added that adapting to ODI cricket would not be problem even though the side is fresh from Stanford Twenty20 tournament in the West Indies.

''It was an experience in Antigua, a different sort of experience of competition. It has been talked about what was it for, but that's all in the past now.

''The team had discussed their winter cricket schedule before going into Stanford tournament and were mentally prepared for the India tour,'' Moores asserted.

The England team arrived yesterday for the seven-match ODI and two-Test tour, beginning with the first one-dayer on November 14.

However, Moores was happy that Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar had opted out of the first three one-dayers but felt there were many players they would have to be cautious of.

''There are many players who are talented. The batting has always been very strong. Sachin (Tendulkar) will not be there for the first three games which for us will be a bit of a bonus.

''Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni had been a key member of the Test and the one-day side over the last few months and would be an important player to watch out for in the upcoming series,'' the English coach said.

Moores further stressed that the presence of Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison would add force to their pace attack.

''I think our bowling attack is strong now with the extra pace of Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison back in the side. With their ability to get extra pace and bounce they give us a chance to get wickets in the middle which is really important,'' he added.

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