Andrew Strauss planning to get back in runs

24/01/2012

England Test cricket captain Andrew Strauss may have led his side to the position of world number one - but he has acknowledged his own personal lack of runs has become a concern.

Strauss has made just one century in his last 42 Test innings - at Brisbane in 2010 - and said he intends to put things right this week as England's batsmen aim to make up for their woeful show in Dubai with a feast of runs in Abu Dhabi against Pakistan.

He stated: "I’m not over-fussed about it but I’m conscious it’s important as a captain you lead from the front with regards to scoring runs.”

The Test will be the 100th time that Strauss has opened the batting with Alastair Cook, who was himself out cheaply twice in the first Test.

Strauss's last Test hundred in England was at Lord's in 2009, where the first Test of next summer will be played against the West Indies.

Meanwhile, the bowling is also an area of concern after news emerged that Chris Tremlett has a back injury that could mean he misses out.

England's options include bringing in another seamer in Steven Finn or Graham Onions, or spinner Monty Panesar.

By Keith Prowse