Strauss - Cricket will recover

Strauss: No concerns over future of cricket

I don't worry for the future of the game of cricket. It has survived many controversies over the years and will continue to do so.

Andrew Strauss
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England captain Andrew Strauss says he is not concerned about the future of cricket ahead of his side's opening contest in the NatWest Series on Friday.

England will play the first of five one-day internationals against Pakistan at Emirates Durham ICG but the build-up to the clash has been marred by ongoing 'spot fixing' allegations.

It was announced on Thursday that Wahab Riaz would become the fourth Pakistan player to be question by police in connection with the claims that were first reported by the News of the World.

Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir will be absent from the series after being suspended and charged by the International Cricket Council following allegations they had conspired to bowl no-balls to order.

Controversy

But although Strauss admits the claims need addressing quickly, he does not think that it will do irreversible damage to the sport.

"I don't worry for the future of the game of cricket. It has survived many controversies over the years and will continue to do so," the left-handed batsman said.

"I do recognise the importance of ironing out any of these allegations, because ultimately they are a cancer that can spread and devalue the game.

"I think the ICC are doing a very good job in making sure these problems are minimised - and as players, we have a responsibility to help them out in that."

He added: "Despite whatever allegations have been out there, I still maintain that cricket generally is a very clean sport and that two teams are playing to beat the other 100 per cent.

"If I can allay fears, I think there is no chance in my mind that these games coming up will not be played in that spirit.

Hurtful

"That's why these allegations are very hurtful to the game - and that's why we need to move on and make sure the game is very clean from now on."

With Asif and Amir absent and question marks being raised over the participation of fellow paceman Riaz, the tourists may opt to play seven-foot tall seamer Mohammad Irfan.

Strauss says that the unique bowler may cause problems with the bounce he will be able to generate but believes his height can also play into England's hands.

"But with taller bowlers, there are other opportunities as well," he said.

"It's probably easier to play back-foot shots from short of a length; it's probably harder for him to get you lbw.

"One of the things you've always got to do is, if a new guy comes in, you've got to react quickly."