England Under-19's set off for India

England's under-19 side fly to India today (Wednesday) knowing they face a tough challenge.

India are likely to provide stiff opposition. They are expected to field about half the side that won the U-19 world championship 12 months ago, while the English may take some time to acclimatise to the alien conditions.

With England's Test team currently on the up, and the A team unbeaten for seven years, the Under-19 team will be especially keen to prolong their own run of success. They currently boast a record of having been unbeaten in an unofficial Test series overseas since 1994-95.

"We know it's going to be hard on and off the field," said England coach Tim Boon. "There are lots of cultural and climatic differences for us to deal with as well as the quality of their cricketers. But what we must do is cope with it and go out and enjoy the experience."

England are captained by Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell. 13 players will fly out today, while Durham youngster Nicky Peng (currently recovering from a sprained ankle) and Hampshire's Chris Tremlett will join the tour at a later date. Tremlett and his father Tim, the tour manager, are currently in mourning following a family bereavement.

Spin is likely to play a significant part in the series. England's representatives in this department are Northant's Monty Panesar and Kent's Robert Ferley.

Whatever the result, the next generation of Test cricketers will benefit from the experience of competing in new conditions.