Strauss inspires series win
ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss toasted a timely riposte from his side after inspiring them to an emphatic 144-run triumph that clinched a 2-1 one-day series win over Bangladesh.
Strauss led by example, bludgeoning a boundary-laden 154 and sharing a 250-run partnership with Jonathan Trott as the hosts racked up an imposing 347-7 at Edgbaston.
Recalled Ravi Bopara, who plundered 45 off just 16 balls, proved equally ruthless with the ball, taking 4-48 as the tourists were dismissed for 203 with five overs to spare.
England’s third highest one-day total was just the kind of response Strauss needed only two days after slipping to a first ever defeat to Bangladesh.
“It was a good way to bounce back after Bristol,” said Strauss. “We were obviously very disappointed with our performance there and wanted to put it right today.”
Strauss also savoured a personal triumph, as his majestic innings – the biggest ever by an England one-day skipper – answered critics who have questioned whether he merits a role in the limited-overs side.
“I’ve been hitting the ball really well throughout the one-dayers without translating it into big scores and I was very determined to do that today,” added the Middlesex batsman, whose haul included 16 fours and five sixes. Another upset looked on the cards when opener Craig Kieswetter fell in the first over, but Strauss and Trott, who hit 110, put England in control with some fine batting. Luke Wright, Paul Collingwood and Eoin Morgan all went cheaply before Bopara’s dazzling cameo.
Bangladesh dangerman Tamim Iqbal started their response with purpose, rattling off three fours, but was dismissed when Ajmal Shahzad foxed him with a slow ball and Wright caught at mid-off.