Strauss knows England have more

 0 Comments  Sarah Preece 2010-09-13 12:42:48

England pulled off a last-gasp victory over Pakistan for a deserving Andrew Strauss at Headingley on Sunday - but the captain knows there is plenty to work on for his team.

Strauss` own 126, his fifth one-day international hundred, helped the hosts take a 2-0 NatWest Series lead with three matches to play.

But after they had chased 294 for eight, with four wickets and three balls to spare, Strauss could not issue an entirely favourable match report.

"There were some areas we weren`t particularly pleased with. Our fielding was really poor," he said.

"That`s an area we pride ourselves on, so we`re very disappointed with that.

"But they might have gone on to get 320 or 330, so the bowlers did a good job to drag it back."

Stuart Broad, in fact, finished with four wickets - albeit at the notable cost of 81 runs - as Pakistan were restricted to a total which proved within the reach of Strauss, Jonathan Trott (53) and others.

Trott continued his own fine form, and Strauss was grateful for his assistance in a second-wicket stand of 146.

"He`s a very calm presence," Strauss said.

"He`s in outstanding form at the moment, and he doesn`t get too caught up in the emotions of the game. He just goes and does his business."

Trott eventually was dismissed by a run-out, having been sent back after setting off for a single which was never feasible.

"I think Trotty heard someone say `yes`. But it wasn`t me - so it was one of those unfortunate situations," Strauss explained.

The captain is content nonetheless that England remain an improving force in one-day cricket, with next year`s World Cup on the horizon.

"We have a lot of confidence, and we`re a decent unit. That`s two crucial ingredients to making sure you win games."

England can be backed at 6.00 to win the 2011 Cricket World Cup

The England captain also gave Pakistan and the Leeds crowd credit for a spectacle which must have helped cricket to regain a little more respect, after a difficult two weeks for the sport.

"The crowd were very boisterous, very noisy. I think they thoroughly enjoyed their day, and it was good to see so many people here supporting both sides," he added.

"Pakistan stuck together very well. It`s obviously a tough time for them, with a lot of distractions off the pitch.

"The last two games they`ve played very well, and it goes to show that they`re a dangerous side and not easy to beat."

Strauss` opposite number Shahid Afridi must try to galvanise his team to keep the series alive in the next match at The Oval on Friday.

Betting for the third ODI has England at 1.30 to win the match, with Pakistan on offer at 3.50.

Afridi does have several concerns, though - not least his own form, and the slipshod fielding of 7ft tall seamer Mohammad Irfan who dropped Strauss badly when he had made just 23.

"I have to focus on my batting and bowling," Afridi said.

"I`m not really focused because I`m doing other things for the team. But as a captain, definitely I should perform."

As for Irfan, he added: "I`m really disappointed from this guy. Cricket is not all about just batting and bowling - nowadays fielding is very important.

"Maybe if he is good in the field I will give a chance - but otherwise, I am not happy."