• England in India 2012

India tour a baptism of fire for captain Cook

Alastair Cook is hoping for a harmonious England return for Kevin Pietersen © Getty Images

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Alastair Cook believes England's tour of India could be make-or-break for the team as they prepare to welcome Kevin Pietersen back into the international fold.

England leave for a training camp in Dubai on Thursday before transferring to India next week ahead of the first Test, which begins on November 15.

One of the first tasks facing Cook as captain is the challenge of restoring harmony in the dressing room following the reintegration of controversial batsman Pietersen after the text-messaging saga during the home series against South Africa.

While Cook acknowledges a long tour to India will be demanding, he believes a long period away from home can help gel his side.

"It will be a long trip, but that can really strengthen a team because you spend so much time together," Cook said in the Times. "Going out is not easy because of the security, but we want to go out and see parts of India, to play golf.

"If we get it right, we can put some good yards in into the building of this new England team."

Cook is under no illusions as to the task ahead of him as he begins his reign as skipper following the retirement of Andrew Strauss. "Everyone does say that the job takes its toll," he said. "I'd be very naive to think that I'd be immune to that.

"One of the best bits of advice I've had is that, when you do get a few days off, as a captain you've absolutely got to make the most of it. Turn that phone off for a few days. It's a very important time, you'll need it further down the line."

"I'm actually quite confident in my hairline," added Cook, whose predecessors Strauss and Michael Vaughan both began losing their hair during their captaincy. "But I'm not so confident about the grey stuff. I wouldn't be surprised if that started to come through."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.