Craig White has spoken of the excitement in the English squad in advance of the visits of the Pakistan and Australian teams.

White - Speaking at Durham Photo CricInfo

"It's one of the most successful winters England have ever had," stressed White. "Everyone you speak to is so excited about this year's series, both the one-day NatWest series and the Test series."

The positive spirit in the England camp is a result of a four consecutive series victories, but White is under no illusions about the task facing the team and believes that Australia, in particular, will prove to be a hard test of England's new-found resilience.

"We've set the standards; we've been successful in the last 18 months, now here comes the big test this summer both against Pakistan and Australia. It's going to be a tough summer, but hopefully we can prove that we've improved and give both of them a decent scare."

White was clear about where the responsibility lies for the resurgence in the England team, praising the captain and coach who restored him to the international team and oversaw his emergence as a top-class allrounder.

"We've got some great people in charge now," he said. "Duncan Fletcher and Nasser Hussain have worked really well together. It's just a more relaxed team to play in at the minute. There's no pressure on the new kids coming in to perform. They're in there because they're good players and it's a great atmosphere. There's no pressure at all in the dressing room.

"It's very, very relaxed and you just go out there and do what you have done for your country, and if you get out playing a bad shot, no-one's going to string you up. It's a great time for a young kid coming in and playing for England now. It's the best time to play."

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