Andrew Strauss could get England nod

England Cricket / Editor / 07 April 2007 / Leave a Comment

Andrew Strauss could come back into the fold on Sunday when England take on Australia in a crunch Super 8 World Cup clash in Antigua.

Strauss has not played since February 11 but could get the nod head of his misfiring Middlesex team-mate Ed Joyce as England look to reshuffle their struggling top-order batsmen.

"He feels fresh and if he gets a game I have no qualms that he will be able to produce some kind of form," confirmed captain Michael Vaughan.

"It's never easy when you're not playing, but sometimes a break from the game can do you good mentally."

Vaughan knows the importance of the task ahead of England, whose hopes of reaching the last four of the Caribbean showpiece were dealt a killer blow by Wednesday's two-run defeat by Sri Lanka.
If they lose to Ricky Ponting's Aussies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium they would need to win their remaining three matches and hope West Indies beat South Africa.
"We sometimes play our best cricket when we know exactly what is required," added Vaughan.
"We just have to try to produce a similar kind of performance on Sunday against a good Australian side."
Unbeaten Australia are the 1.27 favourites to carry on their impressive form, with England available at 4.5 in the Match Odds market.

Punters have complete faith in Australia reaching the last four, with no price available on the tournament's hot favourites, while England are trading at 6.2 to make the semi-finals in the West Indies.

The Aussies are the 2.32 favourites to claim an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title, while England are trading at 30.