Not for nothing is Andrew Strauss a trained economist. Inthe complex calculation underpinning every sporting retirement, which balances“leave them wanting more” against “overstaying your welcome,” Strauss got itabout right when he quit cricket on Tuesday, August 28.
“I wanted to go at a time of my own choosing, and with myhead held high,” England’s captain of the past three and a half years said at apress conference.
Strauss, 35, certainly achieved that. His standing asEngland captain was not as bombproof as it was 12 months ago when he had justled the team to the top of the world rankings. Six five-day test matches “ andthat No.1 spot “ have been lost since and Strauss’s struggles with the bat havebeen evident both statistically and to the naked eye.
But the only way he was going at this time was by his ownhand. Alastair Cook, who will now lead England to India later this year, saidthe captaincy had come “earlier than I thought it might.”
Strauss’s farewell performance was in keeping with hiscareer “ it was civilized, understated, thoughtful and judicious. “I have runmy race,” he said, emphasizing that the decision was driven by batting formthat saw him accumulate only 107 runs in six innings during the recentlyconcluded series against South Africa.
While not denying that the Petersen controversy had maderecent weeks tougher, Strauss was adamant that it had no bearing on hisdecision. Strauss captained England in 50 five-day test matches, exactly halfof a career that ended with his 100th appearance against South Africa atLord’s, his home ground, last week.
So what next? He won’t be short of offers, not least frombusinesses who will note his leadership skills and degree from DurhamUniversity, and may remember that he once cited macroeconomics as an hobby. Orit could be another role in cricket. “I’m still passionate about the game,”Strauss said.
Any cricket-loving economist would tell you that Straussleaves the field firmly in credit.
