England stick to 'Bazball' but India warn of tough pitches

Speedster Mark Wood said on Tuesday England would deploy their attacking style of cricket in the upcoming five-match Test series, as India's coach Rahul Dravid said he was confident his team was ready.

Dravid warned the visitors faced a "tough series" and conditions would be a "challenge".

The Three Lions open the series in Hyderabad on Thursday with their "Bazball" all-action style set to face its biggest challenge on pitches expected to assist the spinners.

"I don't think we will be defensive," Wood said. "I think we'll still look to take the game on."

England were the last team to beat India on home turf when Alastair Cook's team won a four-match series 2-1 in 2012.

"We have to soak up that pressure and create a bit of a theatre or drama on the field and then, when it's time, attack again," 34-year-old Durham fast bowler Wood said.

England coach and former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes have devised an attacking brand of play dubbed "Bazball", in reference to McCullum's nickname.

"We know the challenges here. India very rarely loses at home," he added.

"I think it's almost like a bit of a free hit for us -- where we can come in here and give it a good go, and try something different."

But Dravid said he remains confident of his team's ability to counter England's all-action approach.

"They've played really well," Dravid said. "It's certainly been exciting to watch them play and they've had success playing like that."

The batting great said that England faced no easy ride.