Yours truly bowling in Hyderabad during the 1997 World Cup

On many occasions, we discovered, it is the water that causes illness and upset stomachs. It is therefore important to ensure bottled water still has the seal intact before drinking and anything having come into contact with tap water should be avoided.

Seafood is also advised against due to the many pollutants in the rivers and seas

Only four members of the squad have been to India before, myself included.

This will be my third visit and if the newcomers enjoy their first trip as much as I did, then there will be no worries.

India is a place of so many contrasts, wealth and poverty, beauty and squalor, all within touching distance of each other.

Hard work ahead

There is always something happening and if one travels with an open mind, always ready to expect the unexpected, and just to be amazed by the wonder of it all, then India is a great adventure.

In cricketing terms, it will be tough.

We have a very young - myself excepted! - and inexperienced side and were beaten at home in 1999 and in last winter's World Cup in New Zealand by a very talented Indian team.

With our new spinners, Helen Wardlaw and Sarah Clarke, we can hopefully play the Indians at their own game and the inclusion of Laura Newton, back after the birth of her sons George and Harry, adds all-round strength.

Dawn Holden, meanwhile, has been warming up for the Indians out in Australia by playing for Western Australia in their State championships.

Coach John Harmer offers an Aussie influence

As with the summer series against the Aussies, I feel we will be underdogs, as we are still rebuilding.

Coach John Harmer has the chance to look at some new faces in Mandie Godliman, Spragg, Wardlaw and Clarke and it also gives the new faces the opportunity to stake a claim for a permanent place in the squad.

There is, despite the unavailabilities, a quietly confident air among the players.

Everyone has worked hard on fitness, technique and their own self belief.

Now we just want to get onto the pitch and put all the talk and hard work into practice and get away from the festive excesses!!

We depart on New Year's Day following a training session the day before, so let's wish for a successful start to 2002 for English cricket.

Clare Taylor will be writing regularly for BBC Sport Online during the tour.