Time away from cricket will keep Strauss fresh for Pakistan, Sri Lanka challenge: Flower

Monday, 3 October 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

London, (ANI): England coach Andy Flower believes that time away from cricket will be good for Test captain Andrew Strauss before series abroad against Pakistan and Sri Lanka later this year. Strauss will be kicking his heels for three months as he has quit one-day and Twenty20 cricket. “These guys have played a lot of cricket over the past few years so this is a unique opportunity for them to take a break in November and December,” the Daily Star quoted Flower, as saying.

“I know Strauss’s break is longer, but it might be a strength that we’re able to rest people for longer periods. It means they’ll be very fresh by the time their particular challenge comes up.” “These longer periods of rest for guys like Strauss might be really handy. I’m not overly worried he’s not going to be playing cricket for a while,” he added. Flower, however, insisted that the team management would have to provide some training for the 33-year-old to get ready for the series. wStrauss had averaged just 6.75 in the Sri Lanka series and then 38 against India with one 50 in six Tests.