The tourists, attempting to win the first Test series in India in 21 years, suffered a major blow when they lost vice-captain Marcus Trecothick for personal reasons, and skipper Michael Vaughan and paceman Simon Jones to knee injuries.

The key trio were forced to return home, leaving their team in disarray on what Fletcher described as a "tough" tour.

"It is not an ideal preparation for the first Test of a series, but it gives a few good opportunities to others," Fletcher told reporters Tuesday.

"It is going to be a very difficult tour for us. It is a challenge for each individual but the boys are keen to do well in India. The morale is high and you never know what things can do to players.

"We had not beaten Australia (in an Ashes series) for a long time, but we managed to do that (at home last year). We believe we can do it here also."

England last won the Test series in India in 1984-85 when David Gower's team triumphed 2-1.

Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff has been named captain of a depleted England side, but Fletcher said he was hopeful the all-rounder would do the job well.

"It is not an easy job for Flintoff as he is an all-rounder," said Fletcher.

"The important thing is he is very very keen to do the job and we believe he has the ability to lead the side efficiently."

Flintoff will be leading the team for the first time in Tests.

Batsmen Alastair Cook and Owais Shah, and fast bowler James Anderson have joined the squad as replacements.

India captain Rahul Dravid said his team could not afford to take England lightly because the tourists had quality players in Flintoff, fast bowler Steve Harmison and batsman Kevin Pietersen.

"What happened to their key players is unfortunate," said Dravid.

"Having played with them (Flintoff, Harmison and Pietersen) and seen the kind of character they are, I have no doubt England will be a strong and competitive side.

"I think the captaincy will bring the best out of him (Flintoff). What he has achieved in the past couple of years is really exceptional. I wish him well."

India will bank on their spin duo of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh to seize an early initiative in the three-Test series.

"We have two proven match-winners in Kumble and Harbhajan and I think it will be a challenge for young England players. But I do not believe England are weak against spin," said Dravid.

India lost their last Test here on a bouncy pitch against Australia in 2004, but Dravid said the track would help spinners this time.

"The wicket had grass on it when we played here two years ago, but it may help spinners early this time," said Dravid.

TEAMS
INDIA (from): Rahul Dravid (captain), Virender Sehwag, Wasim Jaffer, Sachin Tendulkar, Venkatsai Laxman, Suresh Raina, Mohammad Kaif, Mahendra Dhoni, Irfan Pathan, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Rudra Pratap Singh, Piyush Chawla, Vikram Singh, Sri Sreesanth.

ENGLAND (from): Andrew Flintoff (captain), Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Kevin Pietersen, Geraint Jones, Ian Blackwell, Shaun Udal, Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Monty Panesar, Liam Plunkett, Matt Prior, Owais Shah, James Anderson.

Umpires: Ian Howell and Aleem Dar.