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Strauss tells Proteas not to underestimate an England without Flintoff | Captain Andrew Strauss has warned South Africa and its captain Graeme Smith not to underestimate a Freddie Flintoff-less England during the Test series that
begins from today. "We have had to deal with Fred not being around quite a lot
for a few years, so it's nothing new for us. As for him being the only player
who can intimidate South Africa, if they feel that, then that's a good thing for
us because we have quite a few very good cricketers who might surprise them over
the coming weeks," The Mirror quoted Strauss, as saying. "I am very keen for players
to stand up and be counted in pressure situations and if you are not willing to
do that you are not going to survive in Test cricket very long. As is often the
case, the first day, the first session can have a big impact on the way the series
goes. You won't win in it that session but you can grab the momentum," Strauss
added. Bookies are currently seeing England as underdogs, but there is every reason
to share Strauss' belief that South Africa could be there for the taking over
the next four Tests. Smith's side haven't played a Test match since March when
they lost a home series to Australia and there are more cracks in their team now.
Jacques Kallis plays, but only as a batsman and not an all-rounder which will
severely restrict Smith's options when he is so used to having him in a five-man
bowling attack. The four South African bowlers will include Dale Steyn who is
recovering from a hamstring injury, while Ntini will have to put in a remarkable
performance to prove his 100th Test cap is not merely an emotional bonus for a
player on the slide. Strauss has his own selection dilemmas to consider but after
seeing the green, patchy-looking pitch on Tuesday. England has to decide whether
to play an extra batsman and going in with a four-man attack with seam support
from Paul Collingwood and Jonathan Trott, or go in with an extra seamer in the
form of Graham Onions or Ryan Sidebottom. |
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