Eng Pak T2 Preview: Strauss Wary of Yousuf's Return; Backs Cook, KP to Fire

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Sreelata YellamrazuAug 5 2010

The England captain is allaying doubts about his own team while showing measur eof respect for Mohammad Yousuf on the eve of the second Test of the Pakistan England Test series at Edgbaston.

andrew strauss thoughtful

Andrew Strauss states that while he is aware of Yousuf's addition to the Pakistan squad, he is also confident about his own team.

On Yousuf, "We need to make sure we have got plans in place for him ( Mohammad Yousuf ) and we know how we are going to try and bowl against him. It's up to them to worry about whether he is in a position to play in a test match or not.

"We know he is a dangerous player, he is a very good player, we saw far too much of him last time (in 2006), so if he is a bit jet-lagged hopefully we can get enough balls in the right area that will make it difficult for him."

There have been repeated concerns about Kevin Pietersen's batting form, but the coach, Andy Flower and the captain have constantly backed him as being just an innings away from coming good, "KP has had a bit of a dip but players of that quality will always come through and I've got absolutely no doubt he will come through this. It's just a case of when.

"He's in a good place mentally, he's been really buoyant this week. He's putting the hard work in and the results will come. Let's hope it's this week."

Alastair Cook is another concern expressed in the media but Strauss ruled out stressing over his opening partner, "

As far as Cookie goes, it was only three or four Tests ago he was scoring a hundred against Bangladesh and playing very well in South Africa as well.

"You've got to take a slightly long-term view on batters. People will have a bad Test or a couple of Tests. I've got no concerns about his form at all."

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