Strauss has always had problems playing short pitched bowling

Former England opening batsman Geoffrey Boycott has warned current captain Andrew Strauss to improve his batting technique against short pitched bowling, in order to get ready for the widely anticipated upcoming South Africa series.

Even though England have the home advantage, Boycott noted that the South Africans will bowl short to trouble the batting lineup.

Boycott, also stated that Strauss’ first century in 18 months was a good sign of the captain leading from the front, but he would have to learn to handle short pitched bowling if he were to have any chance of making a high score against the South Africans.

Sports24, quoted Boycott as saying: “Everyone is going to be happy that the captain made runs. When he reached his hundred you could see the relief and delight in Andrew’s face, although he played nice and straight, when the ball is short he still has a problem. He doesn’t use his feet. He doesn’t move his back foot back and across; he just jumps in the air, the century will have given him some confidence, but he needs to work on that because he will definitely face plenty of short balls when South Africa come along (for three Tests) later this summer.”

The former opening batsman, also mentioned that the South African bowling attack was better than that of the West Indies, and the England batsmen would be facing a lot of aggressive short deliveries.

“Dale Steyn is quicker than Kemar Roach (who dismissed Strauss in both knocks at Lord’s – Sport24) and a far better bowler,” Boycott said.

“Morne Morkel is a tall man who gets bounce allied to his pace. They will give him a working over,” he added.