July 18: Choosing to play the three-day practice game between Somerset and India, England’s Test captain Andrew Strauss spent some valuable time in the middle ahead of the England vs India series beginning July 21 at Lord’s.

Commenting on Strauss decision to play the warm-up game India’s pace spearhead, Zaheer Khan was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror, “The fact that Andrew Strauss is here playing in this practice game says it all. There is definitely that element of doubt in his mind and he has given me that edge now going into the series.”

“A guy who wants to come and face a particular bowler who he knows is troubling him is in itself a sign,” the left-arm pacer commented.

“He has shown the opponent exactly what it is he is thinking. It has been a good contest between us and as a bowler I’ve always felt that if I can provide that early breakthrough it definitely puts the team in the [driver’s] seat so that is my aim on this tour as well,” Zaheer, who had dismissed Strauss four times out of six during the 2007 series, added.

Strauss scored 78 in the first innings, and remained unbeaten on 109 in the second innings, of the drawn match between Somerset and India.