Strauss: Lord’s struggle was a good lesson
IF COMPLACENCY was a factor in England’s woeful winter then captain Andrew Strauss believes the first Test victory over West Indies served as a timely reminder of the importance of labour in their rise to world No1.
A five-wicket win at Lord’s earlier this week came only after the hosts had been made to scrap to keep their second innings on track, having found themselves 57-4 following some early jitters.
That wobble may have brought back memories of the whitewash against Pakistan in the Gulf or their struggles to master spin and climate in Sri Lanka, a spell that threatened England’s status as top Test side.
However, as he prepared his side to begin the second Test at Trent Bridge today, Strauss reflected sunnily on a triumphant, if surprisingly tricky, start to the summer.
“The first and most obvious lesson was it was hard work,” said the England skipper, who ended his long wait for a century in the first innings but fell early in the second.
“Actually, that’s always the case when it comes to Test match cricket. It’s hard work to get on top of the competition; it’s hard work to finally nail that final nail into the coffin.
“The West Indies put up a really good fight. There were times there where they made life really difficult for us and I suppose we’re relieved to a certain extent that we were able to get over the line and win that game.
“We are going to have to do it again this week if we want to win. It’s about making sure we’re willing to do the hard graft necessary.”
England are expected to drop Tim Bresnan, despite his record of 12 wins from 12 matches, for either Graham Onions or Steven Finn.
FORM GUIDE
West Indies are unbeaten in their eight Tests against England at Trent Bridge, winning four, although the sides haven’t met there since 1995
England’s James Anderson has taken four five-wicket hauls in five Tests at Nottingham, with 25 wickets in his last three
West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has made half-centuries in each of his last five innings, but without reaching triple figures (91, 87no, 69, 68, 94)