Strauss: 'I'm not on IPL wishlist'
Date released: 11 June 2008
Plenty to ponder: Andrew Strauss As the Indian Premier League are linked to a host of England stars, batsman Andrew Strauss says he's probably not wanted by the Indian Premier League.
Strauss was speaking at Lord's, as part of the discussion panel after the 2008 MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture, delivered this year by The Most Reverend Dr Desmond Tutu.
The debating panel was hosted by broadcaster and former Hampshire captain, Mark Nicholas.
Sitting alongside Strauss were: MCC President Mike Brearley and former South Africa batsman and Sky TV pundit Barry Richards.
The panel discussion turned to the shorter form of the game and Strauss was asked about the many media reports linking England players to the next Indian Premier League (IPL) competition.
"I'm not sure I'm high on the IPL's list." he admitted.
Strauss is more famous as an exponent of Test cricket. He was named man-of-the-series after the three Test matches against New Zealand recently.
However, he does have two one-day international centuries to his name, one here at Lord's against West Indies in 2004.
Due to calendar clashes no England players took part in the inaugural Indian Premier League which ended in early June.
With the large sums of money on offer in the IPL Strauss was asked if the England players were tempted:
Wanted man: Kevin Pietersen "There are certain members of the England team who think there may be opportunities over there for him - sorry them."
High-profile batsman Kevin Pietersen has been strongly linked with an IPL move and it may be safely assumed it was to 'KP' that Strauss inadvertently referred with his slip of the tongue.
Tests & player appeals
Asked about his own revival in form, especially on the Test Match stage, Strauss confessed:
"I have had to take a look at my game."
Pressed on comments from former England captain Geoffrey Boycott, that Strauss had almost totally remodelled his batting, Strauss added:
"The sad thing is I'm becoming a bit more Boycott-like in my batting which, in this age of Twenty20 cricket, is probably not the best career move!"
The debate moved on to technology in cricket, specifically the idea of a player appeal system against umpire's decisions:
"Personally, I don't like it." Strauss said.
"It has the possibility to make umpires feel undermined by the players.
"I would prefer it if the umpires could refer a decision if they're uncomfortable. I don't think the players should involved at all."
It was certainly an interesting debate as fellow panellist, Barry Richards, is a part of the MCC World Cricket Committee.
In their latest statements the MCC World Cricket Committee gave their backing to technology in cricket, expressly backing a trial of the player referral system.
You can listen to the event in full or in part at your leisure, exclusively on Lords.org.
Free video clips will also be available online soon.
