http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AJ-Strauss-c964 hoping to lead from the front – Cricket News Update
Andrew Strauss, the England Test captain, is determined to bring an end to his lack of runs by scoring big against Pakistan in the second Test match of the series starting from Wednesday, January 25, 2012.
England reached the top of the International Cricket Council (http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625) Test rankings last summer, but the form of Strauss has been a major cause of concern for the Poms. The English captain has not crossed the 100-run mark in Test matches since the last 24 Test
innings.
Strauss has only managed to score 281 runs at an average of 23.41 in eight Test matches in the last twelve months. However, the 34-year-old is hoping to lead from the front in Abu Dhabi and announce his return to form.
Not bothered by the recent dip in his form, Strauss said, “It's obviously disappointing but having been around the Test match scene for a while now, I know form ebbs and flows. One innings can completely change both your perspective and others' perspective
in how well you're playing. It's important as a captain you lead from the front with regards to scoring runs.”
The English skipper has made good starts but has failed to carry on. Strauss admitted that he has let himself down by throwing away his wicket, once he has got a start.
His return to form will be welcomed by the English team, which is in dire need of stability at the top of the order. It was their worst batting display in a long time, as they were dislodged for less than 200 in both innings.
If England loses to Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, they may drop down as the No. 1 Test team according to ICC rankings.
Urging is side to bounce back in Abu Dhabi, Strauss said, “We clearly let ourselves down. We've got to hold our hands up and say 'No excuses for that ... we didn't play well enough. But that's okay. You're not going to get everything your own way in the
game of cricket, and it's how you come back from setbacks that is the true measure of a side.”
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