London: Andrew Strauss is happy with England’s performance in the opening Test and feels that they must continue to grab the opportunities in their quest for the No.1 ranking.

The following are excerpts

The England performance

To be the No. 1 side, we must grab opportunities. We did that in this Test.

Forcing a result at Lord’s

It is true that it is hard to get a result at Lord’s. The performance of the guys were tremendous. We had to work hard when India were five down at tea. We cannot get too satisfied. We are delighted to have got the win.

The bowling

It has been an outstanding bowling performance over five days. It showed the value of persistent lines and lengths over a period of time. I would certainly describe it as great bowling. The two innings was nearly the perfect bowling we have done as a group in the last two years.

Stuart Broad’s performance

When your place in the side is called into question, its a big test of your character. His 74 not out in the second innings was a good sign of his class. He reminded everyone what a great talent he is. He bowled his length well.

Kevin Pietersen’s batting

That first innings total was a magnificent performance. Kevin was mainly responsible for that. Very good innings, he had to play smart against their seamers. He had to graft, attack... It was great that other people batted around him. It was a magnificent performance and also from Jonathan Trott on that tricky first day.

The Indians’ and Sachin Tendulkar’s performance

Whether they are prepared or not is not something for us to judge... Their preparation is their own business. As for Sachin, I am not going to question how he approaches his innings. He tried his hardest to do that and Jimmy got him.

Dropping Sachin Tendulkar

You never want to drop Sachin, thankfully Jimmy Anderson spared my blushes.

The atmosphere at Lord’s

I think it was a great atmosphere. You expect India to have a lot of support here. It makes you feel that you are doing something important. It makes you feel that you appreciated.

Having to do without the hawk-eye

I think we preferred the full of DRS, but you have got to play with the rules of the series. You get some good ones and some bad ones. You have to take it on the chin and move on.

Comparing this with previous English sides

It is a worthless pursuit comparing teams. I think what I like is that there are obvious weaknesses. Youthful experience, guys who are young and experienced. It is a good recipe for success.