Strauss calls on Ashes spirit

Strauss calls on Ashes spirit

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Wednesday, 26, Jul 2006 10:02

England captain Andrew Strauss has called on the spirit of last year's Ashes victory ahead of the second Test against Pakistan.

England have struggled since lifting the urn at the Oval in September, losing the series against their opponents before Christmas 2-0 and drawing the first Test at Lord's despite dominating for much of the game.

Now, stand-in skipper Strauss has said his team need to draw on the spirit which took them to victory against the Australians last year when they take to the field in Manchester.

"If you need to draw on inspiration you only have to look back on that Test match as on that fifth day, with all those crowds outside who couldn't get into the ground and the atmosphere, it was quite incredible," Strauss said.

"It was a very good Test match wicket and hopefully the game will follow a similar pattern, but only we can take that last wicket this time."

England continue to suffer from injury problems with all-rounder Andrew Flintoff needing another operation when he was hoping to be fit for the game on his home ground.

With the home side also losing Liam Plunkett to a side problem, England's bowling attack is further restricted.

However, Strauss believes it is more about the attitude of those on the pitch than who is missing.

"The important thing is how we approach the Test match, how we go out there, how much effort and commitment we put in because these are the things that are going to make a difference between winning and losing," Strauss added.

"We saw last summer against the Aussies that if we all want it badly enough, we'll win and that's exactly what we've got to show this week and during the next three games."

Lancashire's Sajid Mahmood and Gloucestershire's Jon Lewis are battling it out to replace Plunkett in the starting line-up.