The evolution of Captain Strauss

The elevation to the captaincy hasn’t stopped Andrew Strauss scoring runs – in fact, quite the opposite. Strauss led from the front in the Barbados draw, as England racked up a commanding 600-run total. What is interesting about his innings of 142 is how quickly it was scored; with his strike rate a touch shy of 70 for the innings. Not all that remarkable in itself, especially given the approach of his predecessor, but it represents an extra 16 runs per 100 balls when compared to his century in the first Test against India in Chennai.

The graphic above shows a breakdown of whether Strauss chose to attack (blue), defend (red) or leave alone (yellow) during his Barbados century, while the graphic below is the same breakdown for his innings last year in India.

What is immediately noticeable is the increased number of balls wide outside off stump that Strauss attacked in the West Indies, on a line that he was content to leave or defend in India. Pitch differences aside, it’s clear Strauss approached his Barbados innings with a more positive mindset – perhaps a conscious effort to attack from the front. His strike rate as skipper is ten more than as a foot-soldier, while he’s also averaging 15 more in his 9 Tests in charge.

It’s not just Strauss’ scoring rate that has changed since his ascension to the top job. His more attacking approach has seen him score in regions not often featured in his wagon wheel.

The graphic above reveals a well rounded wheel from his Barbados ton, with shots all around the wicket – though his penchant for scoring behind the wicket on the offside is still clear (8 of his 18 boundaries were scored through that region).

When compared to the wagon wheel of his Chennai hundred (above), it is clear to see Strauss was exploiting a resource left untapped in India: straight down the ground. Plenty of runs were scored from on-drives, including one lofted six (red), despite the West Indies not bowling a particularly straight or leg side line to the England captain.

In the past – particularly during the 2006/07 Ashes – Strauss’ lack of a fluent straight drive has been exploited by the opposition. On the evidence in Barbados, this problem may be on the way to being rectified.