TAUNTON (SOMERSET): It is not just about Sachin Tendulkar's technical proficiency but also his mental strength that helps him in rewriting records even at the age of 38, feels England skipper Andrew Strauss.

"It is the overall package he brings. He is technically fantastic but it's also his mental strength; the way he withstands pressure, how humble and dignified he is," Strauss said on Thursday on the eve of India's warm-up game against Somerset here.

"It is not just his runs but his desire and motivation to keep chasing down the records. He is an example that if you are still hungry, your power should not decline as you get older," said Strauss. "Among the examples out there, he is the best of them."

Tendulkar will be chasing a record 100th international centuries when India and England kick off the first of the four-match Test series, at Lord's on July 21. Strauss acknowledged the Indian team's consistency but backed his team to beat the world number one in front of the home crowd.

"They are playing hell lot of good cricket. They are tough nuts to crack, generally such men bring the best out of our players."

"In the last two years, we have found ourselves in good position and go on and win the Test. The level of test is going to rise over the next five weeks."

"It excites us for once you overcome the best, you become the best. It is a strong unit, ably led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, but we back ourselves to beat anyone in home conditions and India is no exception to it," Strauss said.


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