Straus Says Put Your Money On England

Andrew Straus, ahead of the England Ashes Tour of Australia admitted that it will be a tough challenge to be the first England team to bring the Ashes back from Australia since 1986-87. However, he believes punters should bet on England. Straus said “We feel very well prepared,” as England get ready to leave for the tour.

The England team will face an uphill struggle playing in Australia’s backyard but the captain says that they are 100% fit and have prepared as well as they ever can. There has been criticism of their boot camp training sessions in German, which included boxing bouts. “Training only gets you so far there comes a time when you have to front up and win crucial sessions,” Strauss added.

Bookmakers do not quite have Strauss’ confidence and odds on an Australian win are currently at 8/11, while England are being given a 23/10 chance of returning home with the little urn. A draw and the Ashes remaining down under for another two years are being given odds of 11/2.

The England captain points to Ponting as the Australians danger man, “As captain he has a responsibility to lead the side and his record in Ashes series is very good.” Straus told BBC Sport.

Despite falling to fifth in the world rankings after a disastrous 2-0 loss in India over the summer, Strauss says this is irrelevant, ”They are a very tough side at home and we expect them to be a very tough side to get on top of.”