Strauss looks to turn screw
ANDREW STRAUSS has called on his England troops to turn the screw on South Africa in Cape Town this afternoon as they look to press home their recent one-day dominance over the Proteas.
England have won the last six one-day encounters with their hosts since last August and victory at Newlands tomorrow will see them take an unbeatable 2-0 series lead with two matches of the series to play.
Traditionally, Strauss’ England have been more used to bouncing back from defeats in recent years, but the skipper admits he is now revelling in the challenge of building on a recent run of victories.
“We’ve said in the past that we’ve always responded well to defeat but have not been quite so great on building on a good performance,” Strauss said.
“We’re going to try to put ourselves under a bit of pressure in this game to make sure we build on that.”
He added: “There is a long-term plan in improving our one-day cricket – and these sorts of games are the ones that can really take us forward.”
England’s bid has been boosted by the return to fitness of fast bowler Stuart Broad, who has recovered from a shoulder injury.
“He’s been chomping at the bit to get out on the park for a couple of weeks now,” Strauss said of the 23-year-old. “He gives us other options with the new ball.”
Spinner Graeme Swann bowled in the nets yesterday but remains a doubt with a side strain.