The first Test in Nagpur, beginning on Wednesday, could well see a couple of Indian youngsters make their Test debut if captain Rahul Dravid [Images] is to be believed.

"We had some talks and there is a good opportunity that at least one or two of them [youngsters] might get a chance," Dravid said in Nagpur on Tuesday.

Although he did not name the playing eleven, he said Wasim Jaffer [Images] and Virender Sehwag [Images] would open the innings.

There are also strong indications that medium pacer S Sreesanth [Images] could make the first eleven, ahead of R P Singh.

"We haven't decided the final eleven. We will decide that tomorrow morning. There are some good, talented youngsters in the squad and we are very excited about these players coming through. We are very excited, and, hopefully, during the course of the series we will look to give a few of them opportunities and develop these cricketers," he added.

Dravid also believes that even though England [Images] has lost a couple key players to injury, they will still be very competitive.

Marcus Trescothick [Images] opted out of the Test due to personal reasons, while Michael Vaughan [Images] and Simon Jones returned to England after sustaining injuries.

"It has been a little unfortunate for them with what has been happening to a couple of their key players. But I still think England will be a good side, very competitive, and so will be any team who has got the players of the calibre of [Andrew] Flintoff, [Steve] Harmison and [Kevin] Pietersen."

The trio played a key role in England's victory over Australia in the Ashes last year and the visitors are hoping they can work their magic against the in-form Indians.

He also refused to buy the theory that the English batsmen, who have grown up on seaming wickets, would struggle against the spinners.

"People call it a weakness against spin bowling and I am not sure that it really exists. It's almost like a cliche -- Indian batsmen can't play fast bowlers and English batsmen can't play spinners and I don't agree with that.

"The last time England came here they batted really well against spin. They played really well in Ahmedabad and in Bangalore. They have toured Pakistan and Sri Lanka [Images] and they had success there, and their batsmen have scored runs.

"When you are playing against spinners like [Anil] Kumble and Harbhajan [Singh] it's going to be a challenge; it's going to be a contest. But just to say that any spinner can come and bowl them out would be unrealistic."

Dravid was critical of the pitch in India's last Test at Nagpur in 2004, when they went down to the Australians on a seaming strip, but seemed content with the one prepared for the upcoming Test.

"It looks a good one; a little bit on the dry one. It might take a spin, maybe a bit earlier than last time. The wicket last time had a bit more of grass on it; this time it doesn't have that much grass on it. So it might take a bit of turn earlier than it did against Australia."

He also spoke on his opposite number, Andrew Flintoff [Images], who was given charge of the team on Monday following the withdrawal of Vaughan.

Asked what the captaincy could mean to Flintoff, he replied: "It could mean two things: one is, it could get the best out of him, or it could be a challenge for him as a bowler and a batsman. It would be interesting to see how he plays. What he has achieved in the last 24 months or 36 months for England has been really exceptional. He is a fantastic cricketer and I wish him really well.

"I have been in that position before and it's not always easy when your captain is injured. I wish him well, but not too well," he concluded, jokingly.