Strauss confident over India series

England captain Andrew Strauss believes his side can produce "something special" as they look to beat India and become the top ranked team in the world.

The first of four Tests starts at Lord's on Thursday and England can go top of the rankings if they win by two Tests.

"We have a great opportunity to play some really good cricket and hopefully pull off something special in the next five weeks," Strauss said. "India are a very, very good cricket side, they have been for a while now, and if you want to be the best in the world you have to beat sides like India."

He added: "We have home advantage, which I think counts for a lot, and I think we have to use that wisely.

"Being number one is a long-term goal for us. It's not necessarily just what the statistics say, it's more about being regarded number one by the other sides as well.

"We are going to go out and be determined to win every match in this series and if we get in a winning position it's important we're ruthless and make that count."

Strauss will need to be similarly ruthless when it comes to team selection, with the off-form Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan battling for a place in the starting XI.

"Someone is going to miss out, but I am very happy with the balance of squad we have," Strauss added. "All our bowlers offer us something slightly different. What we have to decide is what's the best combination to take 20 wickets on this pitch.

"No-one has a God-given right to play in the XI. We know both Stuart and Tim Bresnan have offered a lot for us over the last 12 months or so.

"It's not going to be an easy selection to make, but in a way it's a good thing for us."