In a series running throughout this week, we mark the start of England's tour of India by grabbing five members of the squad for a quick chat. Here, Andrew Miller talks to Martyn Ball Tuesday, November 13, 2001

Martyn Ball, 31, is an integral member of the Gloucestershire team that won a hat-trick of one-day trophies in 2000. An offspinning allrounder, and a superb slip fieldsman, he was drafted into the England squad at short notice as a replacement for Robert Croft, after taking 34 wickets at 25.76 in the County Championship. Renowned for a cool head, Ball appeared to be taking his sudden elevation completely in his stride when we caught up with him at Heathrow just before the team flew out.

How the devil are you?
Good, very good.

I bet you weren't expecting this a few weeks back?
I don't know about that – as a player you're always hopeful. I've been part of a successful side at Gloucester for some years now, and 31 is prime time for a spinner. But it was a surprise. My name was bandied around a bit in the week leading up to the announcement, so I tried to tell myself it wouldn't be me, so that I wouldn't be disappointed!

What have you been doing since the end of the season?
Well, I've had nine days to prepare for a six-week tour. Like most cricketers, I'd put my feet up at the end of a hard season, played a bit of golf, spent some time with the family. But since the call-up I've been down at Bristol with my coach John Bracewell, working hard on my fitness and technique.

Have you played in India before?
I haven't been to India. The closest I got was Sri Lanka, on a pre-season tour with Gloucestershire seven or eight years ago.

What are you most looking forward to?
The opportunity to play Test cricket. I'll be working hard in the nets, looking to play in the warm-up games, and hoping to make enough of an impression to get a spot in the first Test.

What are you least looking forward to?
I don't think there is anything I'm not looking forward to. Having never toured with England before, I can't imagine there's anything I wouldn't be happy about.

How about flying? [TV in background is showing footage of the latest plane crash in New York]
Well, I don't think I'll be giving it too much thought really.

What have you packed that isn't standard kit?
Nothing much. I'm taking a few extra CDs and DVDs to watch on my laptop, because I'm sure it'll be the most high-security tour England have ever been on, and we'll be spending a lot of time in hotel rooms, rather than out seeing the country.

Are you taking your own food, Jack Russell-style?
No, no food – I'm not quite as eccentric as Jack! But I had a cup of tea round at his gallery last week, and listened to all his touring tales.

Is there anyone in the party you haven't met?
No, not really – I've played 14 seasons now, so I've come up against them all at some stage. Richard Dawson is probably the newest on the first-class circuit, and I played against him right at the end of last season. Actually, I tell a lie – I've never met James Foster!

How do you propose to deal with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar?
If the wickets are helping you, the most important thing is to bowl in the right areas. Richard [Dawson], Ash [Giles] and myself will be having some long discussions no doubt, and Ash has the experience of bowling to the Pakistanis and Sri Lankans in their conditions last year. But if they are playing big shots and looking to attack, then you've always got a chance.

How do you rate England's chances?
I rate them very highly. Everyone's questioning our bowling line-up and there's no hiding the fact that at Test level it is as inexperienced as they come. But that doesn't mean a lack of talent, and Ash and I have got a lot of first-class games under our belts as well. Our batting line-up on the other hand is very experienced, and many of them made big scores in Pakistan and Sri Lanka last winter. If they can stick 400 on the board then any attack would fancy its chances.

What's your personal goal?
A series victory is what it's all about, but personally I just want to bowl at the level I did last summer. If I can do that I will be a helpful asset to the England team.

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