Mark Chilton – LiveCricket.in

Andrew Strauss has a huge job on his hands after Englands dismal 1st Test performance in Jamaica. There is no doubt things are a little disjointed and distracted by some of the off field events. The Pieterson/Moores saga followed by the IPL auctions have been less than ideal preparation for a tough Test Series in the Caribbean.

Strauss has to try and unite his players, who in my view are the right players, and instill some belief and unity to compete for the rest of this series. They are a talented group of players and can hopefully bounce back from this disappointment. Depsite the lack of head coach the players have enough experience and need to take the responsibility to perform out on the field. Team spirit will be crucial, they need to fight for each other and this is where the Captains job becomes so crucial. Whatever differences there are or have been they need to be aired and spoken about to help the players understand each others views and thoughts. Players don’t need to be best mates with each other but that respect for each others abilities, roles and efforts is crucial and something that all great teams have. 

It is now time to tighten up as a group and have belief in each other. They can bounce back strongly from this disappointment and sometimes when faced with adversity sides come out fighting and i expect this reaction from Andrew Strauss and his men.

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