It was my best ODI innings: Strauss

BANGALORE - England captain Andrew Strauss, who overshadowed Sachin Tendulkar’s century, striking a brilliant 158 to help England snatch a tie against India, said it was a privilege to be part of one of the greatest ODI contests.

Strauss said the match was a great advertisement for One-day cricket.

Asked whether he was satisfied with the result, Strauss said: “Yes and No. We were in a great position to win after 42 overs. The powerplay turned out to be shocking for us. At that stage India were favourites to win. Swann to Bresnan brought us back.”

“But it was a great game of cricket and great advertisement for the sport. I am happy and in some way some way distraught. But I am privileged to be part of this ODI.”

Asked did he delayed taking the batting powerplay, Strauss said: “We were batting well. We did back ourselves to play better. But after our dismissals. there was lot of pressure on the new batsmen coming in.”

Strauss was all praise for Tim Bresnan, who took five wickets and also made a crucial 14 runs lower down the order.

“He was outstanding. There were some good performances all round in batting, bowling and fielding. It was hard to stem the runs. Sachin played brilliantly. I think both teams wil carry some positive and negatives from the match.”

As for his own batting, Strauss said: “Yeah, It was my best innings in ODIs. We just want to keep going in the middle overs and built a platform in final 10 overs. I am trying to do my best.”