Strauss calls on England to make a flying start
Home side must raise game to beat Pakistan says captain ahead of Trent Bridge opener
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Andrew Strauss admits England still have room for improvement as they bid for the series victory against Pakistan they will need if they are to set off for Australia with confidence intact. Strauss sees a potentially difficult four-match series against Salman Butt's tourists as an opportunity to continue a progression which began with last summer's wins over West Indies and in the Ashes.
"We're not necessarily where we want to be, but I think we're making improvements," said Strauss ahead of today's Trent Bridge opener. "My first series in charge we lost to West Indies, then beat West Indies and won the Ashes. I think there's a nice progression there – but there are areas we need to improve, no doubt about that. This Test series gives us an opportunity to do that."
England yesterday called up Tim Bresnan for Ajmal Shahzad after the latter aggravated an ankle injury. But Strauss could breathe a sigh of relief after key batsman Kevin Pietersen emerged unscathed when he fell over a football in warm-up yesterday.
Strauss's side will have to defy a Pakistani bowling attack which saw off Australia for only 88 in helpful conditions in the first innings at Headingley last week. The England captain concedes similar weather is likely to prevail, and therefore assist both teams' pace attacks this week.
"It's a ground where generally the ball swings around," he said. "It does depend on the overhead conditions, but I think both attacks are going to be looking at that and hoping to be making early inroads. It's important we react better than the Pakistanis."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments