Andrew Strauss’ Layoff Sends Wrong Message to Australians

Andrew Strauss’ decision to take a break from cricket and sit out the test match between England and Bangladesh has met disapproval from Shane Warne.

Rarely one to hold back from criticising English cricket at any opportunity, Strauss’ self imposed exile from the forthcoming test match against Bangladesh has only fuelled Shane Warne’s bile. He was in the UK on business concerning the IPL and this gave him the ideal opportunity to tell the world his opinions.

He was totally dismissive of suggestions that a lay off by Strauss would have long term benefits for English cricket and would assist them in their bid to defend the Ashes. He also had a few words to say about the caretaker England Captain Alastair Cook, and these were not complimentary either.

He said that he did not think an English captain should rest during a test series, suggesting that the tactic might backfire. He pointed out that if anyone suggested to Allan Border that he should take nine months off to be better in nine months time, they would be in serious danger of having their head ripped off.

Of Alistair Cook he implied that his place in the England side was questionable. Although he did achieve a century at Durban he had not achieved another for fifteen tests, for a whole year. This, he said, was unacceptable for an opening batsman.

He also suggested that England had taken the test series against Bangladesh too lightly; he was completely dismissive of the England captain’s perceived need for a rest.

Neither did Strauss receive much backing from Stephen Harmison. The England fast bowler said that at a test match that the captain should always be there.

England is the clear favourite to beat Bangladesh in the series with odds of 2/7 with William Hill.

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