Intro:

England captain Andrew Strauss admits his team are looking to get back to winning ways on home soil against the West Indies this week.

Script:

England have been gearing up for the start of their Test match with the West Indies at Lord's on Thursday as they look to maintain their spot as the world's number one Test team.

Last summer England whitewashed India to climb to top spot in the rankings, a position they just hung on to during a difficult winter.

A shocking 3-0 defeat to Pakistan was followed up by a 1-1 series draw with Sri Lanka.

In both Test series England struggled with the bat and will be looking for a much improved performance against the West Indies.

As a result of England's poor batting display Jonny Bairstow has been called up to the squad in place of Ravi Bopara and is likely to start at number six at Lord's this week.

England captain Andrew Strauss says the team will be looking to improve on a difficult winter as they aim to maintain their recent success on home soil.

SOUNDBITE (English) Andrew Strauss, England captain:

"Well, look, there are always points to prove. I mean I think we have shifted our attention away from that number one ranking a little bit because it's unhealthy sort of to be looking over your shoulder or wondering what other teams are doing. I think it's a bit more about us just concentrating on improving our performances as a constant really."

As for the West Indies they will be looking to continue their recent improvement in the Test arena after a good showing against Australia earlier this year.

The Windies had the Baggy Greens on the back foot on a couple of occasions but let victory slip through their grasp, something skipper Darren Sammy is keen to avoid against England.

SOUNDBITE (English) Darren Sammy, West Indies captain:

"Well, we keep finding ourselves in winning positions and in some way we keep letting it go. I think when you're playing against a champion team, they find a way to win - so we now have to find that way when we're on top not to collapse and stuff."

The three Test series begins at Lord's on Thursday before moving on to Trent Bridge and concluding at Edgbaston.