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Strauss in a spin

Strauss in a spin over selection

01/16/2012 06:40:07 PM

England captain Andrew Strauss remains unsure as to whether his side will field two spinners in the first Test against Pakistan.

The wicket in Dubai for the Test, which starts on Tuesday, is expected to turn, with Pakistan almost certain to play spin duo Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman.

But Strauss, whose team is top of the world rankings, said he would wait and see whether both Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar are part of England's bowling attack.

"It will depend on the state of the wicket, you always pick your team which you think gives you the right balance to win a Test," he said on Monday.

"If the wicket turns a hell of a lot then obviously two spinners become an option."

Panesar took eight wickets in the tour game against a Pakistan Cricket Board team, and Strauss said the left-arm orthodox bowler was a chance to be picked.

"Monty bowled exceptionally well [in the tour game] and it's fantastic to see him back, but as I said, you pick the side which fits the conditions and allow you to win and that's all we will do tomorrow," Strauss said.

The opening batsman is confident paceman Stuart Broad will recover from a foot injury in time, while Ian Bell has been cleared of any damage after being hit in the wrist while batting during training on Tuesday.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes batting will be the key in the first Test.

"In Dubai, whichever team bats good, gets an edge and it's not only the game of spinners. I think fast bowlers also play a very important role. If you look at the last series [against Sri Lanka], the team which batted well won," he said.

"The wicket looks much better than the last Test we played here, we have a balanced attack and the conditions here favour us, but at the same time, it's important to play good cricket against England."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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