Strauss says England set to be World No. 1 soon

Buoyed by the huge series-opening win, England cricket captain Andrew Strauss believes his side is poised to go past India to become the world number one in Test cricket.

England demolished world number one India by 196 runs in the Lord's Test on Monday to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series and Strauss said the performance showed just why his team can stake claim to be the new numero uno.

"To be number one you have to grab your opportunities and I think we did that very well in this game," Strauss was quoted as saying by the 'Daily Telegraph'.

"It's the first of a four-match series but we've demonstrated that when we play well we're a match for anyone. Now we just have to play well again.

"We are aware that this is just the opening salvo in the series, but Lord's is a hard wicket as the game goes on and the performance was outstanding," he added.

Strauss lauded the individual performances of the likes of Kevin Pietersen, who claimed the man of the match award for his unbeaten double hundred.

"They (India) were five down at tea (on day five) and we had to work very hard to open up an end. Once we did that we finished them off brilliantly.

"Looking at our first innings total (474 for eight declared), that was a magnificent performance too. Kevin was mainly responsible for that - it was one of the great innings I have seen since being involved in the side," Strauss said.

Strauss also praised under-fire pacer Stuart Broad, who returned impressive match figures of seven for 94 along with a crucial 74 not out in the second innings.

"Stuart was outstanding. When your place in side is called into question it's a big test of character as much as anything," he said.

"Stuart showed immense character over five days. He bowled very well and his second innings 70 was crucial to the outcome of the game. He showed his class here and it is a timely reminder to everyone of what a great talent he is," he added.