Strauss vows to ‘grind Australia down’ to retain Ashes

PERTH - England captain Andrew Strauss has vowed that his side would grind the Ricky Ponting-lead Australia team down during the upcoming Ashes series.

The England team arrived in Australia on Saturday aiming to be the first team since Mike Gatting’ 1986-87 team to win the urn Down Under.

“Ultimately you have got to grind Australia down, there is no doubt about that. We have all learnt lessons about the style of cricket you have to play and the mindset you have to have if you want to be successful (against Australia),” News.com.au quoted Strauss, as saying.

“There are crucial periods of play in Test matches where one side grabs the initiative from the other and doesn’t let go.”

“The challenge for us is to make sure we are that side. All 11 guys in our side have been putting their hands up in those crucial periods in Tests to make sure we get through them and win tight games,” he added.

The 33-year-old further said that working along with coach Andy Flower, his team has assessed Australia’s strengths and weakness.

“We are going to have to be prepared enough to take advantage of those weaknesses. The Australian side doesn’t have those legendary experienced players they once had,” Strauss added.

The first of the five Ashes Tests will be held at the Gabba in Brisbane from November 25 to 29.

It will be followed by Tests in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

The tour also has two Twenty20 internationals and a seven-match ODI series. (ANI)