Strauss predicts tough battle

England opener relishing taking on South Africa's quicks

Last updated: 5th July 2008

Strauss predicts tough battle

Strauss: dismissed by Morkel for 29

A lot of our batsmen actually prefer a little bit more pace on the ball.

Andrew Strauss
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England v South Africa
First Test, Lord's, July 10-14
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Andrew Strauss thinks South Africa's reliance on out-an-out pace bowling could play into England's hands during the upcoming four-Test series.

Strauss will win his 50th cap in the series-opener at Lord's from July 10-14 and is preparing for that assignment by playing for Middlesex against the Proteas in their final warm-up game at Uxbridge.

The left-hander made just 29 on the second day before edging behind off Morne Morkel, who is expected to form part of the tourists' much-vaunted pace bowling attack with Makhya Ntini and Dale Steyn during the Tests.

Despite Strauss' failure, Middlesex closed at 311-5 in their first innings - still 48 behind - thanks to 67 from Dawid Malan and Eoin Morgan's unbeaten 109 and, barring some collusion from the respective captains, the match looks destined for a draw on Sunday's finale.

"They are one of the stronger attacks in world cricket," admitted South African-born Strauss to Sky Sports News.

"A lot of our batsmen actually prefer a little bit more pace on the ball.

"Certainly Michael Vaughan always plays well against quick bowling - and I think Cookie [Alastair Cook] is very good against quick bowling."

Stern test

Strauss concedes the tourists' attack are sure to provide a stern test - although he is confident there will be some leeway for the home batsmen too.

"If it is very quick and accurate and it's swinging, it is going to be hard work," he predicted.

"But we hope there will be more scoring opportunities as well."

While Strauss is excited about a series he expects to be keenly contested, South Africa coach Mickey Arthur is optimistic that his team are shaping up well for the start of the first Test.

"Our bowling has definitely been up a notch here from [South Africa's opening tour match at] Taunton," he said.

"Ntini and Morkel are in a 'better place' than they were at Taunton.

"We are confident with where we are at and believe we are getting enough out of this match."