England skipper Joe Root is looking forward to a competitive and entertaining Test series against India. The four-match contest starts from Friday (February 5) in Chennai and Root is focusing on the preparation to face the Virat Kohli-led side.

Before the first Test, Root talked about the series in a virtual discussion with two members of the India (South) Street Child Cricket team — Paulraj and Monisha — that won the Street Child Cricket World Cup at Lord’s in 2019.

"We are very excited for the series. It should be really entertaining as India is coming off the back of a brilliant series win in Australia. We will make sure we are well-prepared as we can be when the first Test starts on Friday,” Root said in the discussion which was facilitated by the British High Commission.

The English captain was accompanied by all-rounder Sam Curran. He said the series is going to be the one to look out for considering both the sides are in top form. While India beat Australia at their home, England recently defeated Sri Lanka by 2-0.

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“I think it is going to be a fantastic series, both teams are in good form. Australia was beaten by India and we have just come from Sri Lanka where we did really well. Two quality teams coming together is going to be great to watch.”

Root and Curran interacted with Monisha and Paulraj, the members of the India team that won the Street Child Cricket World Cup in 2019, and asked them about their experience. He also congratulated them and said the two should be proud of the achievement.

“You both should be very proud of what you have been doing for the street kids in India and other parts of the world. It shows great leadership from a very young age and you should be immensely proud of the example you have set for people in similar conditions,” he said.

Monisha and Paulraj grew up on the streets and they are pursuing education with the help of Indian Charity Karunalaya, and the UK charity, Street Child United.

Root and Curran will donate signed shirts and batting gloves to help raise awareness about street children.

(With PTI Inputs)