Sachin's huge score may make him rest easy, says Strauss

London, July 16 (UNI) England's left-handed opener Andrew Strauss feels hitting form early like Sachin Tendulkar may be a good omen for the hosts as the Master Blaster may get a bit complacent before the Test series begins.

''Sometimes, when you've had a very big score, like Sachin has, it's easy to settle back down into thinking you are still on a hundred,'' Strauss said.

He, however, said he would rather be in Sachin's place.

''That's the danger of being in good form - but I'd still prefer to be in it than not,'' he was quoted as saying by PA Sports.

Sachin made a magnificent 171 in the practise match against England Lions while Strauss, captaining the Lions, hit 80 in the same match against India.

With the first Test starting from July 19 at Lords where Strauss hit a century on debut, he will hope to play a similar innings in the upcoming match.

''It's been a special ground for me in the past, and I've always enjoyed batting there,'' he said.

''I'm very keen to get out there and score some runs this week.

''I feel I've done everything I possibly can to try to make sure I get runs - and I hope that will happen.'' The 30-year-old opener has struggled for consistency in recent times and his Test average has fallen to just a little above 41.

However, he adds ''I go into the Test match feeling in pretty good form - and I hope I can go one better than at Chelmsford in the Test and get a hundred.'' UNI