LONDON (Reuters)
England captain Nasser Hussain nominated India as the hardest side in the world to beat at home.

England were scheduled to leave on Tuesday for a three-Test tour of India.

"I have never played a Test match in India and it's going to be very difficult," Hussain, who was born in Madras, told a news conference on Monday.

"India are easily the most difficult side to beat at home. There is no harder tour. It's going to be the greatest challenge we have had as a squad."

England have been weakened by the decision of wicketkeeper Alec Stewart and strike bowler Darren Gough to miss the tour.

Gough's opening partner Andy Caddick and offspinner Robert Croft subsequently opted to stay at home because of their family's security fears over the US-led attacks on Afghanistan.

Hussain drew comfort from England's series wins in the last northern winter in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

"Last winter we were questioned whether we should go," he said. "We are being questioned now. We are going to get tested this winter, make no mistake about that, we are really going to get tested."

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