Strauss should maintain status quo

By losing the 4th Ashes Test in 3 days, the England team has effectively surrendered the momentum it gathered post the Lord’s Test win. 

This leaves the English team Captain Andrew Strauss with the unenviable task of maintaining sanity in the ensuing media storm until the start of final ashes test at the Oval. 

Primarily, he will have to exercise sound judgment over the selection of Andrew Flintoff. 

If it is true that the England team waited until the start of the Headingly Test to decide on Andrew Flintoff, then the uncertainty had a hand in the team’s dismal batting in the 1st innings. 

Andrew Strauss faces the same dilemma twice over when deciding on Flintoff. The fact that whole of England believe that Andrew Flintoff is necessary to rejuvenate the battered English team and they will be willing him to be fit for the final ashes test at the Oval will add to his discomfort. 

Adding to the emotional blackmail is the fact that the Oval Test will be Andrew Flintoff’s last. In effect if Andrew Flintoff publically declares, himself fit then Andrew Strauss have to fight a swell of public sympathy to exclude him if he is unfit. 

However, Strauss should do well by the English team and select the best combination that will give England 100% chance to win the Ashes twice in a decade. 

There are other headaches for Andrew Strauss. The misfiring middle-order is sure to give him grief. 

The media have started picking on Ravi Boppara and Ian Bell. Adding to Andrew Strauss's woes is the fact that Paul Collingwood is off color since the Test at Cardiff. However, if they are replaced, it will be a change for change’s sake as their replacement is players who have already been tried and failed. 

Nevertheless there is one change England need to make i.e., drop Steve Harminson permanently. He is an utter waste and appears capable of only bullying county cricket players.