Thursday 14 July 2011

Fletcher targets Andrew Strauss

Fletcher targets Andrew Strauss

Duncan Fletcher hopes India can obtain an early psychological edge over Andrew Strauss by dismissing him cheaply when he plays for Somerset at Taunton on Friday.
Strauss has struggled in recent Tests against left-arm seamers and has been dismissed five times by Indian's chief exponent of the art, Zaheer Khan.
The two are set to lock horns in the West Country ahead of the first npower Test at Lord's next week and India's former England coach Fletcher is aware of the significance.
Fletcher said: "The problem really lies with Straussy. If he feels he's really got a problem, it's more a concern for him than us at this stage.
"You've got to respect Straussy for wanting to be loaned out to face this attack.
"You've got to show him respect and we've just got to try and get him out early.
"In terms of who has got the most to gain (from Strauss playing), I just think it's a 50-50 call from the point of view of, if he gets out early, there is a chance we will have something over him.
"I just believe our bowlers are pretty confident at the moment and, even if he does get runs, you are allowed to get runs at some stage.
"It's a matter of judging you over four Tests which will be important."
Fletcher was in charge of England for eight years up until 2007 and has been impressed by the development of Graeme Swann since he left the role into one of the world's top spinners.
He said: "Graeme has done really well and history proves what can happen when people get out of their comfort zone and move to other counties.
"We have seen it with Chris Tremlett. How long was he with Hampshire before moving to Surrey?
"It is sometimes a good thing to get out of the comfort zone and realise 'there is a big world out there where I've really got to develop my game'.
"It looks as though Swann has done that. He is playing Test cricket and is number one bowler in the world, one of the top spinners.
"He is bowling well and we respect that.
"He just appreciates what he is required to do on and off the field in the international arena. He is a very good cricketer now."
Fletcher admits the change in personnel in the England side since he was the helm means it will have only a minimal impact in trying to prepare for the forthcoming Test series.
He said: "In four years, the team has changed quite a lot. There are a couple of senior players but the rest of the team has changed.
"We'll just have to look at tape we've got and look at certain techniques they have got.
"We will have to assess that over the next couple of days."
Fletcher admits he never expected to be involved in such a high-profile post again after leaving his England position.
He said: "It's strange for me. I never thought I would be back in this role. When I left England, I thought I wouldn't get involved in cricket.
"But then having worked with South Africa, New Zealand and Hampshire to some degree, I got the bug again."

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