London, August 20:

Yuvraj Singh may not have featured during India’s recent 1-0 Test series win against England but the all-rounder is set for a key role when his side take on their hosts in a seven-match one-day international campaign starting with Tuesday’s day/night encounter at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl ground.

“He’s been a fantastic finisher for us,” said India captain Rahul Dravid of Yuvraj. “He’s got the power, he’s got the skill and he’s matching that power and skill with temperament, mental strength and brains. That’s a deadly combination. He is up there among the best one-day players in the world, without a doubt.”

In the absence of opener Marcus Trescothick England have yet to find a batsman who can make the most of the inital 10-over. England welcome back Andrew Flintoff for his first taste of international action this season. But there is no guarantee that Flintoff will be a miracle cure for England’s one-day ills.