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England Test captain Andrew Strauss will play for Somerset in their tour match against India at Taunton in July.

Strauss, who struggled for form against Sri Lanka, will play in the three-day game (15-17 July) ahead of the first Test against India at Lord's.

It is hoped the match will help the England skipper find some form in the period leading up to the first Test.

"Andy Flower and I saw Somerset had a tour match against India and we decided to approach them," said Strauss.

"We are very grateful for them to give me the opportunity to play some cricket before the first Test match and hopefully I can spend a bit of time with their young cricketers at the same time," said the Middlesex opener, who scored just 27 runs in four innings.

"It helps my preparation for the Test series and hopefully it will help Somerset and ultimately it will help out England's preparations for the Test series as well.

"Any time I get the opportunity to play against the touring side prior to the series starting I take it because it gives me an opportunity to see their bowlers and more than anything it's about getting some cricket.

"This gives me another opportunity to hopefully have another innings before the Test series starts."

ECB Managing Director Hugh Morris supports the decision. "As Middlesex do not have a County Championship match scheduled in the three week period leading up to the first Test, the England team management felt it would be beneficial for Andrew play in India's tour match."