Stylish left-handed batsman Yuvraj Singh will play for English county Yorkshire this season, an opportunity he considers will help "improve" his cricket.
"I will play for Yorkshire for four months, starting a fortnight from now. I will be playing 10-12 four-day games which will be a good opportunity for me as playing under tough conditions will help improve my cricket," the all-rounder said on Tuesday.
Sachin Tendulkar was the first overseas player to be selected by Yorkshire, in 1992.
"Batting on English tracks is going to be a challenge. My seniors have told me so. Overall, the conditions should be good for cricket," the 21-year-old said, sounding excited about the prospect.
Asked if he is eyeing a Test berth by virtue of his performances in the county season, Yuvraj said, "I want to perform. Whether my performance helps me gain a Test entry, I think, will depend on the selectors."
Yuvraj, a key member of the Indian one-day side but yet to play a Test, said playing in four-day games would help him build the temparament required for the longer version of the game.
"I will play in nearly 10-12 four-day games. I think that will help if I am selected for the Test side," he said.
The all-rounder said he is happy to debut for Yorkshire as "they made me comfortable and I eventually decided to go with them".
Yuvraj is also not worried about the amount of cricket being played these days.
"If you have been playing for eight or ten years in a row, then, maybe, you need some break. But for guys like me who have just started their careers, I think we do not need any kind of break or rest. For us, this is the time to play cricket," he said.
"Young players should not be troubled with playing too much cricket, especially if you are a batsman. I think a bowler's body demands more fitness."
And Yuvraj is not taking any cue from teammate and vice-captain Rahul Dravid, who got married this Sunday, saying he has "no such plans".
"I have just started my career and there is lot of cricket to be played. I do not wish to do anything else right now. I think I was born to play cricket and I am doing that".
Asked his opinion on whether India and Pakistan should resume bilateral cricket ties, Yuvraj said, "It is for the governments of the two countries to decide."
On the tension and hype surrounding the India-Pakistan game in the recent World Cup, he said, "I think playing Pakistan is the same as playing any other country. It is no different, it is just the other team".
