As India and England [Images] go in the first Test of the three-match series at Lord's on Thursday, here's what some of the world's leading cricketers have to say about what many call the 'Spriutal home of cricket'.

Sachin Tendulkar [Images]: "As a kid you have big dreams and one of them was playing at Lord's. It is extremely special to play here. The first time I saw Lord's on TV was when India won here in the 1983 World Cup. I was only ten then, did not know what was happening, but I joined the celebrations. I was too young to follow what was happening.

"So there are a lot of fond memories, and one would definitely want to make the most the outing here.

I mean this is the ground all the players dream of getting a hundred; I am no different, I would want to get one!"

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Sourav Ganguly [Images]: "I enjoy coming back and playing here. It is a good place. I hope to have a good series this time too.

"The frame of mind in my first Test match [at Lord's] was probably the best frame of mind I ever had in my Test career. And I could not develop that frame of mind in the last 11 years even though I have played all around the world. I wish I could get back to that mindset in this Test match."

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Kevin Pietersen [Images]: "Lord's is a special place. The atmosphere is unique. I love it."

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Brian Lara [Images]: "It's been great playing here. If you tell me to put on my whites tomorrow and come and play a game at Lord's, I will."

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Shane Warne [Images]: "Lord's is a truly remarkable place. It's not just a cricket ground -- it's so much more than that. I have loved playing here in all forms of the game -- I've won a fair few times here too although I'm sure the England fans will forgive me for that."

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Monty Panesar [Images]: "When I was growing up, it was my dream to play in a Test match at Lord's. It's got everything you want as a player -- a superb playing surface, modern facilities and a sense of history too. You really feel that you are following in the footsteps of the greats."

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Paul Collingwood [Images]: "Seeing all the legends up on that board, you want to be part of it. It's a great honour, something you'll always remember."

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Alastair Cook [Images]: "As a kid I dreamt of playing for England at Lord's. To get a hundred there is a moment I'll never forget and hope there's more of them to come."