Strauss urges England teammates to focus on Ashes series win at SCG

SYDNEY - England captain Andrew Strauss has warned his team against easing off in the final Test of the Ashes series against Australia, starting in Sydney on Monday.

The tourists have already secured the Ashes, but need to win or draw the fifth Test to become the first England team in 24 years to claim a series in Australia.

“It’s one of the challenges on the last game of the tour when you think about getting on the plane and seeing your family. We’re not in that position at the moment, but there are other reasons for us not to take our eye off the ball in this Test match and it’s important we don’t do that,” Fox Sports quoted Strauss, as saying.

“Every Test is a test for you as a side. This one, in particular, because the Ashes are coming home and it’s easy to take your foot off the pedal. That’s something I’m desperate to avoid,” he added.

The 33-year-old further said that the team has been excellent in practice at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but it needs to transfer that to the pitch.

“It’s a challenge for us and I’d be very disappointed if we don’t respond well to that challenge,” Strauss said.

“After Melbourne, I think it would leave a bit of a bitter taste in the mouth if we weren’t able to play well here this week,” he added. (ANI)