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Andrew Strauss returns to the ranks after his brief spell as England cricket captain in the first Test against Pakistan here at Lord’s, having impressed coach Duncan Fletcher with his handling of a difficult time in charge.

Strauss was asked to take over a depleted side after stand-in captain Andrew Flintoff suffered a recurrence of problems to his left ankle seven weeks ago and was told to rest.

Strauss was given an injury-hit one-day side, who crashed to a Twenty20 international defeat and a 5-0 one-day series whitewash against Sri Lanka, and was then criticised for his negative approach during drawn opening Test against Pakistan at Lord’s.

But Strauss, already informed by the selectors that Flintoff would lead the side again once fit, impressed Fletcher in difficult circumstances and may have put himself back in running for the job in the long term.

“I think he (Strauss) has had a very difficult job,” said Fletcher. “Of all captains I’ve been involved with — right from Nasser Hussain through Michael Vaughan, Marcus Trescothick, Flintoff and Strauss — he’s had the most difficult job by far.

“He’s done it when four or five major players are missing, and that’s not easy. It’s difficult enough when you’ve got your full side. When you’ve got one or two missing it’s hard and when there’s more than that out it must be very difficult. I think he’s handled it very well.”

Fletcher was also supportive of Strauss following criticism of his conservative approach to declaration during the opening Test, which allowed Pakistan to escape with a draw on Monday. “I think it was a good declaration,” said the coach. “On a flat pitch you want to keep the fielders around the bat to keep the batsmen under pressure. If we’d had a little bit of luck, a couple of quick wickets going together, things could have turned quickly. Pakistan batted a lot of overs in their first innings, so our bowlers had put in a big effort.’’

But frustrating as the result was, particularly after England dominated long periods of game, Fletcher believes it was an important result after their succession of defeats against Sri Lanka.

Providing Flintoff has no setbacks, he will be re-installed as captain for the next Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford, Manchester starting on July 27.

“It’s very important to have Freddie back with us,” Fletcher said. “He’s your captain and world’s leading all-rounder — it’s always nice to have him, because that’s two extra players you can bring into the side.”

Source:The News

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