Strauss looking to set higher standards after labouring to win
Strauss looking to set higher standards after labouring to win
Monday, 31, May 2010 05:30
By Richard James at Lord's
Andrew Strauss conceded England were far from their best during their eight-wicket victory against Bangladesh at Lord's, claiming his team would be aiming to set higher standards at Old Trafford later this week.
England finally brought Bangladesh's impressive second innings to a close at lunch on the final day before easily knocking off the 160 runs needed for the win.
The final match statistics flattered Strauss' team though and the England captain admitted there were periods of the game when Bangladesh were on top
"We had to work very hard for that win," he said after the game.
"It was hard work for our bowlers; we got better as the game went on as the wicket got flatter, [so] that was encouraging."
"We'll be better for this game, but we're obviously looking to set our standards higher than we achieved in this game."
Commenting on the decision only to play four bowlers, Strauss rejected there had been times when he would have liked another bowling option.
"We felt there was going to be more in this wicket to be honest," he said. "I think what we did do well was the bowlers stuck it very well.
"The other thing to maybe bear in mind was that Graeme Swann didn't have a huge role to play in this Test match, there was no turn there at all. On most wickets he'll be a lot more threatening."
On his own performance and captaincy - Strauss scored 83 in the first and 82 in second innings - the England captain added: "I was a little bit rusty if I'm honest. a little bit with the bat early and coming back in and marshalling the troops in the field.
"I'm like the bowlers really. I got more into it as the game went on."
England will face Bangladesh for the second Test at Old Trafford on Friday.