Sir Andrew Strauss has admitted there was something missing from his all-conquering Test team that won the Ashes and got to No.1 in the world.
And if he had his time again he would do things differently having seen just how powerful the style and approach of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum can be. Strauss’ team alongside coach Andy Flower were masters of squeezing the life out of opponents, ‘bowling dry’ and scoring big runs over long periods of time.
It was effective but functional, and as the only England side to win in Australia in 36 years it was a ruthless triumph, but even he has some regrets. The former England captain is back at Lord’s this week for the Ruth Strauss Foundation, but such is his enthusiasm for the way his old team are playing, you get the sense that he is just happy to be watching them up close.
