Strauss still not worth World Cup place, says Derek Pringle

LONDON - Former England cricketer Derek Pringle has said that captain Andrew Strauss is not worth a place in the 15-man squad for next year’s World Cup despite his century in the second ODI against Pakistan at Headingley.

His justification was that with Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell in the team, someone had to make way and Strauss’ preference for playing square of the wicket may be a hindrance on the slow Indian sub-continental pitches during the World Cup.

“The argument against Strauss was centred on the likely sluggish nature of the pitches and the difficulty they would present to someone most comfortable scoring his runs square of the wicket,” Pringle wrote in an article for The Telegraph.

“You need to be strong in hitting down the ground in Asia, with control. You also need to be able to put pace on the shot with a wristy flick or an artful bottom hand, something Strauss only really possesses when cutting,” he added.

Pringle however did admit that it would be unthinkable to leave Strauss out of the World Cup without a credible alternative.

“Strauss is not the most astute tactician on the pitch, but does possess a presidential authority that can calm a jittery team,” Pringle said.

“Paul Collingwood lacks that, but as someone always forced to think hard to get the best from himself, he can often sense a situation on the pitch before it happens,” he added. (ANI)