No rush decisions on England's one-day set-up

10 April 2012

England coach Andy Flower insists there needs to be a period of reflection before Andrew Strauss' future as one-day international captain is decided.

Both Flower and Strauss insist any changes must not be rushed ahead of the summer series against India and Sri Lanka following their World Cup quarter-final elimination, by 10 wickets at the hands of the Sri Lankans.

But they already have a date pencilled in their diary for mid-May, at which matters arising from England's eventful and exhausting winter will include Strauss' continued tenure as captain of the 50-over team.

The 34-year-old opener's Test leadership is, of course, unquestioned - especially after England's historic Ashes victory in Australia.

But as planning inevitably begins again, after this World Cup watershed, for England's next attempt to win the competition for the first time - in 2015 - they will be aware Strauss is unlikely to still be at the helm at the age of 38.

Flower has already, albeit briefly in the thick of England's sub-Continental campaign, discussed the matter with Strauss after a press report - subsequently denied by the captain - claimed he would resign at the end of the current tournament.

"Straussy and I talked about this briefly when a story broke speculating about his one-day future," said the coach.

"We have discussed it, and certainly he shouldn't be making any decisions right now - and he's not. He's got a few weeks off with his family at home, and so have I."

They will reconvene in six weeks or so, at a debrief which will be chaired by England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Hugh Morris.

"We will be discussing this subject," added Flower. "He's still a very important part of England's cricket future - and whether that includes one-day cricket or not, let's clear our minds, have a couple of weeks away from each other and we will have a clearer idea of the situation and the way forward."

Strauss' situation will be one of several topics to be aired.

Also on the table will be the batting style of the prolific Jonathan Trott - does the number three score quickly enough in one-day cricket?

Flower believes he does, but appears to have certain qualms too.

"I think he's batted outstandingly well and been a really solid anchor, around which we could have performed," he added. "I think he's been superb.

"In saying that, I would add - and he's aware of this - there are times in the middle or towards the end of an innings when he can be a little more aggressive and take control of the situation a little more than he has done.

"He will acknowledge that, and that's an area he can improve. But his consistency and skill in the way he's dealt with these conditions have been outstanding.

"We can't point to Jonathan Trott. It's the men around him who haven't delivered sufficiently."

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