England skipper Andrew Strauss looks forward to the visitors coming out with 'guns blazing' as the tone set on today's first day of the Digicel Home Series could go a long way in determining the outcome of the four-Test series.

"It is important to set the tone for this series because the first Test match is crucial and probably the first day of the Test match is crucial as well," Strauss told the media in a press conference held at Sabina Park yesterday. "I think that both teams will be going all guns blazing on that first day. Both teams will have to absorb some pressure and the one that deals with it best will come out on top."

Strauss was appointed captain of the team following the dismissal of coach Peter Moores and the stepping down of then captain, Kevin Pietersen, recently.

"There has been a lot stuff that has been going on previous to this tour and the players are really excited about just getting on that pitch and representing their country and playing some good cricket," Strauss said. "It has been real excitement because there has been quite a big build-up to this match. We have had 10 great days in St Kitts and the guys really want to get stuck in playing cricket again."

However, Strauss is encouraged that Andrew Flintoff has recovered from a side strain and will play.

"We are very confident that he (Flintoff) will be fit because he had come through today's (yesterday's) practice pretty well and so we are pretty confident he will be playing," Strauss said.