Andrew Strauss a class act - Brett Lee - Cricket News Update
Former Australian spearhead, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Brett-Lee-c48419, paid rich tribute to the recently retired English captain, Andrew Strauss, and said that his exit from the international arena has left a ‘big void’ in the game of cricket.
The former England captain, citing his declining batting form as the reason behind his decision, bowed out of the game on Wednesday after an illustrious 9-year career.
Strauss, who just a fortnight ago celebrated his hundredth Test at Lord’s (and fiftieth as England skipper), retired with a fine record after scoring 7037 Test runs (at 40.91) with 21 centuries. In 127 ODIs, he piled up 4205 (at 35.63), including 6 centuries.
The 35-year-old led further led the side in 62 ODIs but was more known for his Test record as captain, where he inspired his team to home and away Ashes triumphs, and enjoyed the second best win/loss ration after http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Michael-Paul-Vaughan-c76145 in English cricket.
During his charge, England became the world’s best Test team for the first time in its history. In total, he led the team to 24 longer version victories, and lost just 11 times – drawing 15, 6 of those defeats coming in the last 8 matches.
Lee, who as a new-ball bowler and Ashes rival closely watched the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Middlesex-c817 left-hander, was quick to heap praise on the Englishman’s achievement of representing his country in 100 Test matches.
"If you look as his record as an opening batsman – 100 test matches and an average of 40, it's absolutely phenomenal,” the Australian told BBC Radio.
"He was a batsman we were fond of, we thought he was a great player. He was always the top of discussion for us – 'what's the best way to bowl at Andrew Strauss?”
Strauss enjoyed playing against his traditional rivals http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 and possessed a decent record against them. In 20 Ashes Tests, he scored 1421 runs (39.47) including 4 centuries. He was instrumental during the 2005 Ashes, where he helped his side clinch
the series after a long gap of 18 years.
"He was a respected player and when you got http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AJ-Strauss-c964 out you knew you were bowling pretty well. He was a very competitive person with a very strong mind. A class act! He leaves a huge void in the England cricket team," Lee concluded.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 in November.
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