Ajinkya Rahane 'not at all' surprised by Rashid selection

The batsman said Rashid "bowled really well" against India in the three-match ODI series, in which the Yorkshire spinner took seven wickets.

Rahane believes recent conditions have allowed Rashid to be particularly dangerous, saying: "Right now in England, it's like playing in Mumbai or Chennai. [Rashid is] a quality spinner and we don't want to take anyone lightly."

India last toured in 2014, losing the series 3-1. Rahane was part of that squad, but feels far better prepared for the challenge four years on. "We know what it takes to play good cricket here in England," he said.

"So for us it is important that we play good cricket without thinking of the result. Because sometimes what happens is you think about the result and put pressure on yourself."

With the sides so evenly matched, Rahane believes attitude is key to India's success.

He said: "It's important that as well as working on our skill sets, we prepare our mindset, especially here in England. I feel that it will be a test of our mind and character here.

"In England, patience is the key [to batting well]. It depends on the weather; if it's sunny then it's good to bat on, if it's cloudy then it definitely favours the bowlers. But as a batting unit, I feel that backing your ability and your own game, rather than copying anyone else, is important."

On the topic of India's bowling battery, Rahane was confident. "Our pace bowlers are very experienced now," he said.

"[Mohammed] Shami and Umesh [Yadav] were here in 2014 as well. They've been doing so well for us – not only in India – in South Africa they got 60 wickets.

"For them it is a challenge to bowl in England, but I'm really confident in them. We have the attack to destruct opponents, but it will be a challenge for them to bowl in the right areas for long periods of time."

Batsmen Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara have been inconsistent of late, but Rahane said: "We're not worried at all [about their form].

"Both are quality batsman and all it takes is one good innings to get into form. As I'm concerned, they're quality players and are batting well in the nets."