Mahmood warms to the task

Sajid Mahmood is well aware of the difficulties that lie ahead for England's bowlers in India

Sajid Mahmood insists England’s attack is well equipped to cope with the unique challenge of bowling in Indian conditions.

Pitches on the sub-continent traditionally favour batsmen, with a lack of pace, bounce and seam movement often testing bowlers’ resolve to the limit.

The prospect of toiling away in hot, humid conditions on an unresponsive surface is unlikely to fill the seamers with joy, but paceman Mahmood insists he and is colleagues are prepared for the challenge.

“When we played there last time it was pretty much low and slow,” said Mahmood, who was part of the England team that lost the one-day series in India in early spring.

“All the boys know what to expect and have worked on their game in the four-week period we have had off.

“When we were there earlier this year it was quite warm - 40 degrees - so it’s not going to be easy bowling, batting or fielding,” he told ECBtv.

Mahmood has been working on his variations during the break © Getty Images

“There's going to be a lot of sweating and a lot of dehydration, so you've got to take a lot of water on board.

“I've done a lot of work with the coaches and fitness coaches up at Lancashire and I feel really fit.

“It’s going to be a little bit tough but all the boys have experienced a lot of the weather like that and hopefully we'll be ready.”

If he was in any doubt before travelling to India earlier in the year, Mahmood is under no illusions now as to the importance of bowling straight.

“The main thing I learned was consistency,” he added. “For me, you’ve got to be consistent to do well out there.

“You can’t be a little bit wide or a little bit short because, with the quality players that you’re going to be playing against, you will get punished.

“I’ve been workling on my variations in the nets and reverse swing could be a factor, depending on the wickets and how we look after the ball.”

You can watch the exclusive video interview with Sajid Mahmood in full on ECBtv now.