Pietersen: we love India - video
Updated on 10 December 2008
England captain Kevin Pietersen says his team's love of India is the reason they decided to return to the country.
The England and Wales Cricket Board withdrew the team from India following last month's Mumbai militant attacks that killed at least 171 people.
But the players and management decided they wanted to return, with the first of two test matches due to start tomorrow.
Speaking ahead of his side's game in Mohali, Pietersen said: "I think the boys are so excited to play cricket now. We made all our decisions. We love India, the team loves India, they love playing cricket in India, that is why we are back.
"We are back with the full squad because we love playing cricket in India and all we want to do is get out there and play cricket and do what we do the best. The boys are just excited and ready now to get on and do what they are paid to do."
Security fears forced the series to be moved from the original venues of Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
Pietersen added: "It's a decision we have taken because we think that the wicket may spin.
"We had a look at the wicket and I think it would spin and (having two spinners) probably gives us the best attacking option. Swann bowled absolutely fantastically up to this test match and to give him a debut is well deserved."
