Ashes 2010: Strauss plays down importance of first session at Gabba

BRISBANE - Captain Andrew Strauss has played down the symbolism of the opening session at the Gabba.

Strauss insisted that the Ashes series is won over five long Tests, not in one fateful moment.

“A lot of people read a lot into the first morning. Both sides want to build some momentum and show they mean business but ultimately it is 25 days of cricket,” The Guardian quoted Strauss, as saying.

“Australian sides in the past have been very quick to set the tone in the first Test and the conditions here are probably slightly alien to touring teams. Their record here is very strong and that is quite exciting, the thought of taking on a record like that and trying to turn it round,” he added.

“Australia have a very proud and strong record at home. We are not expecting them to be any weaker than on past tours. The key for us is to lift our performance and we are capable of doing that. We are not underestimating the size of the challenge. There are very few sides who come out here and win,” Strauss said.

“The important thing is that people are clear in their minds about what they are going to achieve. You don’t want to get too emotional on that first morning. It is important to commit to the plans that you have discussed, but the guys are in a good place psychologically and that is a good place to start any series. The time for Churchillian speeches has passed - the guys need calming not rousing,” the England captain said. (ANI)