ANDREW Strauss' honeymoon period in international cricket lasted longer than a good number of marriages, so his first rocky patch has provided motivation for a return to harmony.

The first 18 months of Strauss' England career reaped seven Test centuries, coincided with a record-breaking run of eight wins on the trot and included a major contribution to last summer's Ashes success.

Such a bountiful spell ensures his position as Marcus Trescothick's opening partner is fireproof, although Strauss himself concedes a below-par collection of 44 runs in four Test innings in Pakistan has spurred him on ahead of the series with India.

'There is always pressure when you play Test cricket,' said the 27-year-old.

Pressure

'There is pressure on me to score runs so that the team does well.

'If you don't react well to that pressure you probably won't be in the team very long. I have got extra motivation to do well after a couple of poor Tests in Pakistan.

'But the thought of going out and contributing to a successful tour excites me.'

England endured two lengthy net sessions today in the Mumbai heat as part of their acclimatisation process.

'It is very different to England in February,' Strauss said.

'So we spent a long time out there to gain an appreciation for what it is going to be like to bat for a day or spend a day in the field.

'Early on tour you are very keen to sample the conditions as much as possible.'

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