England Under-19 team arrives in Chennai

The England Under-19 team, which arrived in Chennai on Saturday from Mumbai, expressed optimism over their chances against South Zone and the India Under-19 teams.

"We have done a lot of homework and are adapting to the climatic conditions in India," coach Tim Boon told reporters.

Earlier, the 16-member squad, led by captain Ian Bell and its coach, was received at the airport by officials of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA).

The visitors will take on South Zone in a three-day fixture, beginning in the city on January 15 and will play against India Under-19 in the second `Test' from Jan 20 to 23.

The team includes one player of Indian origin - Monty Panesar (Northamptonshire). Two others Kadeer Ali (Worcestershire) and Nadeem Malik, who plays for Nottinghamshire, are of Pakistani origin.

The team had lost the first `Test' in Mumbai on Friday, falling a prey to the guiles of left arm spinner Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, who claimed 8 for 38 in the second innings.