We'll handle SA hostility: Strauss by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	AJ Strauss
Event:	England in South Africa 2009/10

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DateLine: 1st November 2009

 

England skipper Andrew Strauss expects his side to shrug off any hostility to their South African contingent when they meet the world's number one team.

 

The left-hander insisted that there will be no divided loyalties as England depart for their long two-and-a-half month tour with a squad containing four players with South African connections.

 

Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen are products of the South African cricketing system while Matt Prior and Strauss himself were born in Johannesburg.

 

Strauss has responded to critics of England's selection policy by stating their players' birthplace is unimportant.

 

"In terms of trying to win the Test series it won't be a big issue but it might bubble away in the background," he said.

 

"All I can say is the selectors sit down and pick the best 15 England qualified players.

 

"The fact some of them have been born out of these shores is of no consequence.

 

"In order to make it to Test level you must show a lot of determination, hunger and desire.

 

"The fact Kevin and Jonathan have come over later in their lives is of no consequence.

 

"They've obviously had the determination, hunger and desire - possibly more than some people in county cricket.

 

"They deserve to be playing for England because of that.

 

"I don't think this system can't produce good England players, we've seen it produce a number of good England born players over the years and that will to continue to be the case.

 

"It's easy to start looking where you are born but it's of no real consequence. It's about the yards people put in, not the system.

 

"As captain I'm very happy that the 15 players I've got are 100% committed to performing for England and representing their country.

 

"That's the way it should be. Looking into their backgrounds is of no consequence to us and is not something we'll focus on."