England are ready for the challenge

Mumbai: Playing down their 0-4 Test series drubbing at the hands of India here last month, England wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler said the visitors are better prepared for the limited-overs format. Vice-captain Butler who has been in good form said they are ready for India’s spin attack led by R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

“We played here before Christmas and are used to the conditions here. We didn’t do well but ODIs are a completely different game and we have a different team. Every time you come here after readjusting, you get ready for the matches accordingly,” Buttler  said ahead of the team’s first warm-up match to be held here on Tuesday.

Buttler  who was part of Mumbai Indians franchise in the last IPL said he was looking to carry on his good form. “It is a challenge to play against India here. I worked on a couple of aspects and looked at what can come at you. We have been training to tackle the spin challenge,” he added.

Limited-overs specialist, Morgan, who skipped the series against Bangladesh is aware of the challenges his team would face here. “It is always special. India are a very strong side at home. It is definitely a challenge. I am looking forward to this series. This is a short series, but we want to learn a thing or two,” he said
The England team had a practice session at Brabourne stadium in the morning and will have another practice session on Monday followed by two warm-up games. Many specialists such as Morgan, Jason Roy, Liam Plunkett, Alex hales, Sam Billings and David Willey have joined the team after Christmas break.

“Every one-day series we play, generally we don’t get much time for training. Leading to this series many guys have been preparing well and we are happy with the preparations,” Morgan said

Morgan felt Virat Kohli is a natural successor to MS Dhoni as limited-overs skipper. “Virat is a natural successor. But we are not looking too much at the oppositions,” he added.

England are scheduled to play ODIs against West Indies and Ireland after India series before they host the Champions Trophy in June. “I am happy there is only white-ball cricket and there won't be much chopping and changing in the side leading into the Champions Trophy,” Morgan said.