Strauss receives Swann boost and brands Aussie tour a success
ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss insists his side’s tour of Australia should still be considered mission accomplished, despite the 6-1 drubbing they suffered in the one-day series.
The Test team retained the Ashes following a comprehensive 3-1 victory, in the process becoming the first England side to triumph Down Under for 27 years.
And Strauss believes it’s important that the post-Ashes euphoria isn’t forgotten as a result of an ODI campaign which saw England run out of steam, and bowling options.
Asked if the end to the tour had tarnished the Ashes memory, Strauss said: “I don’t think so. They are two different forms of the game and that Ashes victory was incredibly special and one that we’ll savour forever.”
Meanwhile, spinner Graeme Swann will start bowling again today as he bids to prove his fitness for the World Cup following a knee injury.
“I’m not fully fit but I’m getting there,” he said. I’m a little bit nervous about bowling but I should be fine.”