With the Third Ashes test approaching and the ‘Fred’ appreciation society finally nursing its hangover, it is important to recognise a key factor in England’s turnaround: Andrew Strauss. The vultures were circling after Cardiff but the performance at Lords was down to Strauss’ leadership more than Flintoff’s hostile bowling. From the end of Cardiff through to the end of Lords, Strauss exhibited key leadership qualities that were vital to England’s success. These qualities ensured the team did not ‘dine out’ on the Cardiff escape and are great examples for any leader, especially within the current turbulent environment. Let’s have a look at the vital qualities that Strauss exhibited:
Confronting the brutal facts
After Cardiff Strauss was quick to highlight the underperformance of England’s specialist batsmen. He talked of pride not self-congratulation, with the plaudits going to the people who made the vital contributions. This put the onus on England to make the necessary changes for Lords rather than live in hope that the Aussies would under-perform.
Building on a core competence
As much as there was a post-mortem after Cardiff it did reaffirm England’s core competence under Strauss of being difficult to beat (the recent tour to the Windies apart). The application displayed by Collingwood, as well as Anderson and Panesar, on the final day in Cardiff demonstrated that Strauss has instilled the will and capability to get through a crisis. This galvanised the team for Lords as the players knew they had a platform to build upon.
Being the predator not the prey
As much as Cardiff may have been an escape Strauss talked of momentum for Lords and the need to play positive cricket. The opening session of Lords set the tone with Strauss leading by example in a very positive display. His 161 was the cornerstone of England’s first innings and ensured that England took the role of Predator not Prey for the remainder of the Test.
Considering the options
On the morning of the third day at Lords many thought that it was certain England would enforce the follow on. However, the weather conditions changed and the pitch became benign: Strauss then opted for England to go back in to bat. His ability to think flexibly and alter the plan based on new information ensured England was able to build a healthy total from which the Aussies could not respond.
Deploying the talent
The fifth morning of Lords was a great example of Strauss ensuring England played to its strengths. He allowed a fired up Flintoff to bowl continuously with a new(ish) ball and deployed the guile of Swann at the other end to provide uncertainty in the minds of the Aussie batsmen. Strauss’ ability to see how to best use his bowlers ensured that victory was swift and convincing.
The challenge now for England and Strauss is to ensure that these qualities are built upon for the third test at Edgbaston. Ponting was quick to take a leaf out of Strauss’ book after Lords: confronting the brutal facts and not dwelling on some questionable umpiring decisions. All is set for an engaging remainder of the series.
Confronting the brutal facts
After Cardiff Strauss was quick to highlight the underperformance of England’s specialist batsmen. He talked of pride not self-congratulation, with the plaudits going to the people who made the vital contributions. This put the onus on England to make the necessary changes for Lords rather than live in hope that the Aussies would under-perform.
Building on a core competence
As much as there was a post-mortem after Cardiff it did reaffirm England’s core competence under Strauss of being difficult to beat (the recent tour to the Windies apart). The application displayed by Collingwood, as well as Anderson and Panesar, on the final day in Cardiff demonstrated that Strauss has instilled the will and capability to get through a crisis. This galvanised the team for Lords as the players knew they had a platform to build upon.
Being the predator not the prey
As much as Cardiff may have been an escape Strauss talked of momentum for Lords and the need to play positive cricket. The opening session of Lords set the tone with Strauss leading by example in a very positive display. His 161 was the cornerstone of England’s first innings and ensured that England took the role of Predator not Prey for the remainder of the Test.
Considering the options
On the morning of the third day at Lords many thought that it was certain England would enforce the follow on. However, the weather conditions changed and the pitch became benign: Strauss then opted for England to go back in to bat. His ability to think flexibly and alter the plan based on new information ensured England was able to build a healthy total from which the Aussies could not respond.
Deploying the talent
The fifth morning of Lords was a great example of Strauss ensuring England played to its strengths. He allowed a fired up Flintoff to bowl continuously with a new(ish) ball and deployed the guile of Swann at the other end to provide uncertainty in the minds of the Aussie batsmen. Strauss’ ability to see how to best use his bowlers ensured that victory was swift and convincing.
The challenge now for England and Strauss is to ensure that these qualities are built upon for the third test at Edgbaston. Ponting was quick to take a leaf out of Strauss’ book after Lords: confronting the brutal facts and not dwelling on some questionable umpiring decisions. All is set for an engaging remainder of the series.
Posted by: Kieran Colville, Client Partner at CHPD
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1 comment:
Wishful thinking: Strauss left the door to defeat ajar by batting again. This time England got lucky, they cannot ever be sure of taking twenty wickets against top class opposition. In any case this test was simply a return to competence after a dismal start, the Aussies have thumped us repeatedly by much bigger margins. Look again in a few years to see whether Strauss marks a break from the old pattern of fitful brilliance interrupting embedded mediocrity.
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