'India series up there with the Ashes'

England captain Andrew Strauss is hoping his side can make home advantage count when they face India in a four-match npower Test series.

Strauss returns to the international fold after retiring from one-day cricket for the opening Test at Lord's against the top-ranked side in the world.

And Strauss will get chance to have a close look at the tourists when he lines up for Somerset against India in a three-day warm-up game.

However Strauss, who is on loan at the Sabres from Middlesex as he looks to recapture his form, already has half an eye on the challenges ahead.

Strauss said: "This is certainly up there with the challenge to win the Ashes.

"But I think the one thing we have in our advantage (compared to) the Ashes is we've got home advantage.

"We expect to beat any side at home - and so you should - because it is a substantial advantage.

"But you only have to look at what India have done in the last two years to know India will be incredibly confident.

"They have a lot of good players and are heavily motivated to win this series.

"We will have to be at our best if we want to compete with them. We're under no illusions about that - but that excites us.

"In international cricket, you always need challenges and this one excites us."

Strauss insists there are no major problems with his batting technique despite his temporary switch to Somerset.

He has struggled against left-arm pace bowlers in recent matches and will face one of the world's best in India's Zaheer Khan.

Strauss said: "It's been a bit of time to iron out one or two things technically and also to refresh in time for the India series and to make sure I'm ready to go.

"I had one chance against Gloucestershire (scored two) and it was one of those frustrating games that kind of happens. But the last two weeks have been really productive.

"I've done some really good work, I feel rested, feel fresh and looking forward to going down to Somerset and hopefully getting some runs prior to the Test."