Strauss bracing for Aussie comeback at Perth
England captain Andrew Strauss is aiming to close out the Ashes series in the third test at Perth which is set to tomorrow.
The left handed opening batsman has enjoyed mixed results with the bat in the three innings he has batted thus far yet his team has been on top ever since conceding a 200 plus run lead in the first test at Gabba.
Strauss scored a fighting hundred in the second innings thereafter posting a duck in the first dig; however things changed again for him in the first innings of Adelaide test where he fell for a mere 3 runs.
Other than his own form he has one eye on the hosts as he fears that they would come extremely hard at the POMS in the Perth test where they have an impeccable record against their old enemies.
The Aussies have lost just one of the 11 Ashes tests played at the venue and the city of Perth is the ideal venue for them to change their fortunes in what has been a desperate campaign for them thus far.
Strauss said that he expects the Aussies to come out all guns blazing, "We're expecting five days of very tough Test cricket," he said. "If http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 were wounded in Adelaide and have a point to prove, then they're going to be that much harder to beat. We've
got to be ready to counteract that."
"I think motivation to win and desperation to win can be pretty positive things," he said. "If it spills over into getting too emotional about things then it can be detrimental. But we've got to be just as desperate as Australia - because
if we're not, we'll come unstuck."
Strauss thinks that momentum would be the key in the Perth test and momentum is all with the tourists, yet he is guarding against complacency against one of the most formidable teams in world cricket.
"We've obviously got some good momentum in the series from how we played in Adelaide, but we've had good seven or eight days off, away from Test match cricket," said Strauss.
"The intensity dropped over that period, so it's important we get the intensity again, and start this game well. It's about us keeping our feet on the ground, remembering what we've done well so far in the series and making sure we replicate
that. It counts for nothing if we give it away here. But in a lot of ways, it's a good thing," he added, "because you can get too caught up in the euphoria and expect to just be able to turn up and bowl teams out again”
There is one concern in the English camp as fast bowler Stuart Broad who is on the sidelines for the rest of the series after sustaining an abdomen injury during the second test match is likely to be replaced by Chris Tremlett.
The decision to make for the English camp is whether they give Tremlett a shot or include Tim Bresnan.
Speculation is rife that Tremlett is set to take Broad’s place yet the tourists had not made their mind yet and are only going to announce their playing eleven on the morning of the match.
Either of the two quicks would have his task cut out as despite being a fast wicket the WACA provides quick scoring opportunities for the players who can adjust well to the bounce and pace. The Aussies have some flamboyant stroke players led by Ricky Ponting
himself and they can be a real handful for any bowling attack in the world.
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