Strauss to lead ODI team

9 January 2009

Andrew Strauss cut a relaxed figure after being unveiled at Lord's yesterday

The England selectors have unanimously agreed that Andrew Strauss should lead the England team on the entire tour to the Caribbean starting on January 21.

National selector Geoff Miller confirmed after the selection meeting that Strauss, who has played in 78 one-day internationals, would be captain not only for the Tests in the Caribbean but also the Twenty20 international in Trinidad and the ODIs which follow.

Miller said: “The selectors feel that it is important to have stability and continuity on the Caribbean tour given the events of the last few days. Andrew and I have also agreed that we will review the one-day captaincy at the end of the tour. Andrew is extremely comfortable with that.”

Strauss, 31, added: ‘I am delighted to lead the team in the one-day Internationals and Twenty20. I know I haven’t played an ODI since the end of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007 but I do feel that I have something to offer in that form of the game.

“Now this situation has been resolved we can now all unite and get about the business of winning cricket matches for England and winning them consistently.”

Strauss will be supported in the Caribbean by Andy Flower, England assistant coach, and Phil Neale, England team operations manager as well as England’s other specialist coaches and support staff.

Hugh Morris, England cricket managing director, added: “We have a backroom team with a proven track record. They will all work very closely with Andrew Strauss during this tour with the sole aim of securing success in the Test, ODI and T20 matches.”