Strauss angry with himself over cheap dismissal in Ashes opener

BRISBANE - England captain Andrew Strauss has expressed disappointment over his own failure as a batsman in getting out to part-time spinner Marcus North in the second innings of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.

Strauss scored a brilliant 110 as England produced a stunning turnaround to reach 309-1 on day four of the Test, and lead Australia by 88 runs.

The 33-year-old admitted that he had rarely been angrier in his career than the moment when he was dismissed by North, who took only his 14th wicket in 20 Tests.

“It was not the sort of dismissal that we were looking for quite frankly,” the Guardian quoted Strauss, as saying.

“It was not the sort of dismissal I was looking for as both a batsman and a captain. I picked the wrong ball to go down the wicket to and paid the price,” he added.

Strauss further said that the conditions at the Gabba were in the batting side’s favour, and it was important for his team to “make the opposition pay”.

“It was important I took my opportunity, and showed the way. That is one of your duties as captain,” Strauss said.

“We had to come back into the game today, and that meant some of our batters had to stand up and deliver, and thankfully, Alastair and I were able to do that. I had a bit of luck, and it wasn’t the best technical innings I have ever played, but in terms of importance, it was up there,” he added. (ANI)