The problem with exceeding expectations is that it is hard to maintain a sense of perspective. Even though England have punched above their weight since December, they still need to win all three of their remaining fixtures to pinch the one-day series - and Tendulkar has yet to hit top gear. Pessimism is not an attitude that has entered Fletcher and Hussain's thoughts at all, but its close relative - realism - has dominated their planning at all times. And the real objective of this tour is to prepare a side that can compete at the World Cup in thirteen months time. Nothing else, not even a victory in this series, should derail that ambition. It would be due reward for a hard-working squad, but England have wasted too many years sacrificing long-term ambitions for short-term gains.

All the pre-match talk surrounds the rotation - of lack of - of the English squad. Nasser Hussain was adamant after the first match that changes would have to be made, to prevent his players losing focus in a stifling itinerary. But Graham Thorpe and Andrew Caddick have not been given a sniff by the continued excellence of the likes of Collingwood, Hoggard, Vaughan and (with the ball) Flintoff. Everyone is aware of what they are capable of. They have nothing left to prove. And, as recent events have shown, they cannot be relied on to be available at all times.

Kanpur, situated on the Ganges in north-central India has an agreeable climate, and the match will be played by day as well. Perfect conditions for short-termism. And, as so often this winter, the Indian squad is not giving the impression of a side in control. The axing of Laxman will leave a middle-order of Sehwag, Mongia, Kaif, Badani and Ratra - even less experienced than England's, especially if Thorpe returns.

But Hussain has never concerned himself with India's problems. He knows his team, and he knows what each of them is capable of. Australia's recent problems have stemmed from a desire to change for the sake of change. If the legs and heart are willing, it makes more sense to stick than twist.

England (probable) 1 Marcus Trescothick, 2 Nick Knight, 3 Nasser Hussain (capt), 4 Michael Vaughan, 5 Paul Collingwood, 6 Andrew Flintoff, 7 Ben Hollioake, 8 Jeremy Snape, 9 James Foster (wk), 10 Darren Gough, 11 Matthew Hoggard.

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