Straus wants no repeat of Perth mistake

England Skipper Andrew Strauss is determined to learn from heavy loss in Perth test

England Skipper Andrew Strauss is determined to learn from heavy loss in Perth test

England captain Andrew Strauss made it clear that there will be no thoughts of conservatism as the tourists try to re-establish their credentials to win the urn down under for the first time in a quarter of a century.


England skipper Andrew Strauss. Pic/Getty Images

There is little chance of a stalemate in either the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne or at Sydney in the new year, unless bad weather intervenes, and Strauss has no thoughts of trying to play safe. He will instead stick to the principles which have got England this far, even after their setback in Perth -- where Australia levelled the series at 1-1 with a 267-run victory.

"We've got two Test matches to go and we want to win them both -- it is as simple as that," said Strauss.
"We're going for the outright win absolutely "The majority of Test matches aren't drawn, so there are going to be results in these last two games -- and we want to make them both positive for us."

England still believe they are Ashes winners in waiting, and can bounce back this time as they have at least twice before in the era of Strauss as captain and Andy Flower as coach.

Lessons learnt
"We can afford to look at Perth as a bit of an aberration as long as we learn the lessons and don't repeat them," he added. "It's a great test for us as a side, and I think we'll handle it well." They hope to be doing so with pace spearhead James Anderson fit, despite the stiffness he has felt in his side since his exertions at the WACA.

"Jimmy seems absolutely fine," the captain reported. "He's done quite a lot of bowling, but it has settled down nicely."u00a0It is less clear whether leading wicket-taker Steven Finn will retain his place at the MCG.

He too had some physical discomfort, in his calves, at the WACA -- and many fear the 21-year-old may run out of gas at some point in the series.

Strauss is equivocal. "There was a little bit of weariness after that Test, but no cause for concern in terms of fitness for this one," he said of Finn.

"I think he's been a little frustrated that he hasn't been as consistent as he would like. "But he is a bowler with a knack of taking wickets, which is a great skill to have.