NICK Compton set off for India last with the rest of the England squad on Thursday in preparation for the Test series which gets underway later this month.

The Somerset batsman was the leading run-scorer in the country in 2012.

Just before he left he said: “I have been training hard and working on my fitness.

“In my batting I am trying to replicate the sorts of angles and situations that I might find out in India.

“I have been facing Monty Panesar in the nets at Lord's which has been very good practice for me because there is going to be plenty of spin bowling to face out there.

“I have had a couple of sessions with Graham Thorpe at Lord's and with Pete Sanderson back in Somerset.

“In-between that I have been trying to give myself a bit of a break because it will be a tough trip.”

Compton, who is on his first full tour, added: “It's a mixture of excitement and a little bit of nerves for me.

“It's obviously an exciting time for me and I want to do well, but I don't want to put too much pressure on myself.

“It's just a question of maximising my opportunities and enjoying it.

“To be on a tour first and foremost is great, but I would also like to play my small part and contribute.”