England have the ability to beat India: Alastair Cook

England skipper Alastair Cook said it will be “incredibly tough” to beat India at home © Getty Images

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London: Oct 3, 2011

England captain Alastair Cook today said it will be “incredibly tough” to beat India in their own backyard but feels his players have the ability to do the job.

An injury-ravaged India were hammered by England in both the Test and the One-day series but Cook says it is different ball game when India play on home soil.

“I certainly think we can beat India. It will be incredibly tough. We need everyone to be playing very well,” Cook told reporters at the Heathrow Airport, ahead of his side’s departure for India.

The five-match series will begin in Hyderabad on October 14. England will also play a one-off Twenty20 against India on October 29.

Cook said India would enjoy the crowd support but his players have it in them to down India.

“We all know what the one-day crowds are like over there. They love their cricket. Delivering our skills when 50,000 or 60,000 people are screaming and when balls are flying all over the place will also be a key factor, but certainly with this squad I think we can do something really special,” he said.

England will be without pace duo of James Anderson, who has been rested, and Stuart Broad, who is injured. (PTI)