Venugopal Rao all set for battle with the English

Visakhapatnam, Mar 22 (UNI) Andhra captain and versatile middle order batsman Y V Venugopal Rao, who is back in the Indian one-day side after missing the Pakistan tour, today said he is looking forward to perform well against England.

Venu has been named in the squad for matches to be played in Delhi, Faridabad and Goa. The first match will be played on March 28.

''I was eager to get into the side after missing the Pak tour. I have worked hard in the period in between and my performances in Subbaiah Pillai one-day tournament, Deodhar and Ranji matches had helped me back into the team,'' he said from his home in Gajuwaka, a suburb of the city.

Venu has played 11 matches for the country so far after making his debut in the tri-series against Sri Lanka last year. ''I could not get the scores I was looking for in Srilanka. This is a great chance to prove myself and I am ready for it,'' he said.

Rao would be leaving tomorrow for Jaipur to play the practice match for Ajay Jadeja-led Rajasthan Cricket Association President's XI team against England to be played on March 25.

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