Andrew Strauss asks for more of the same from Trott and Finn

Match-winner: Steven Finn
10 April 2012

Jonathan Trott and Steven Finn are the two most obvious reasons why England will start today's second npower Test against Bangladesh one up with one to play.

Their challenge at Old Trafford, though, is to consolidate on their respective double-hundred and nine-wicket match haul.

Captain Andrew Strauss is confident both have what it takes to succeed not only against Bangladesh but many times in the future against all-comers in international cricket.

He went into bat first for Trott, often characterised by consensus as a tortured soul thanks to his interminable crease-scratching and other idiosyncratic fidgets while batting.

"I always think it's dangerous to make too many assumptions on a guy's character from what he does in the middle - because everyone has their own pre-shot routines, like golfers," Strauss said.

"One of Jonathan's great strengths is his concentration, and maybe that helps him get into the right frame of mind.

"Off the field, he's settled in really well and has a good sense of humour.

"I think there's a big contrast between what you see in the middle and what we see in the dressing room."

Finn too has already convinced Strauss of his credentials as a long-term contributor for his country.

The extra question the captain was invited to answer yesterday was whether his Middlesex colleague may also be fast-tracked into England's one-day international team against Australia later this month.

"There's no reason why Steven Finn can't go on and be a good one-day bowler, because he has all the attributes," he said.

"Whether he is quite ready yet is something we'll have to debate.

"His four-day record is better than his one-day record for Middlesex, and workload is also an issue.

"The important thing is he's come in and made an impact. But we need to allow him time to develop and don't need to rush things. We need to manage him to make sure it's a long career."

England announced yesterday that Paul Collingwood and Stuart Broad - both missing from this series, with future engagements very much in mind - will both play for their counties in the Friends Provident t20 next week.

Whether others will also be made available is a moot point, and not one Strauss was minded to clarify.

"It's the balancing act between guys representing their counties - and the crowds would appreciate England players being available - and the need to manage workloads.

"It's an ongoing issue for us, but what's clear for us is that by the first one-dayer against Australia [on June 22] the players have to be ready to go."

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