Strauss takes drastic action to find form
ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss failed to mastermind a 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka after a rain-hit fifth day before announcing he will take the unprecedented step of switching counties in a bid to rediscover his form ahead India’s upcoming tour.
Strauss, who averaged just 6.75 from four innings against the tourists, has represented Middlesex for the best part of 13 years, but will turn out for Somerset next month in their tour match against the world No1 ranked side.
The 34-year-old was particularly vulnerable to Sri Lanka’s left-arm seamer Chanaka Welegedara in a series ultimately decided by a manic couple of hours in Cardiff. And with India’sattack likely to boast the skills of Zaheer Khan, Strauss is keen to familiarise himself with the challenges that lie ahead.
He said: “Andy Flower and saw that Somerset had a tour match against India and we approached them.
“They were very keen on the idea and we’re very grateful for them to give me the opportunity as it helps my preparation.
“I’ll be doing a lot of work in the nets over the next few weeks but you can’t replicate what happens in a match in the nets.”
Strauss was left frustrated, meanwhile, as his side failed to extend their winning margin over Sri Lanka. They were held up by a partnership of 141 between Kumar Sangakkara (119) and Thilan Samaraweera (no 87), before the rain, which started during the tea break, prevented any further play.
He added: “We didn’t make the inroads we needed to make and we’re a little frustrated not to take it 2-0.”