England selector Ashley Giles believes that those who are writing off skipper Andrew Strauss could end up looking "silly".
England selector believes skipper should not be written off
England selector Ashley Giles believes that those who are writing off skipper Andrew Strauss could end up looking "silly".
A combination of four successive Test defeats and a poor run of form that has seen him score just 203 runs in eight innings has led to Strauss coming under pressure recently.
If England do not win the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo starting on Tuesday they will surrender top spot in the world Test rankings.
But former England spinner Giles, who is also director of cricket at Warwickshire, believes Strauss will come through the tricky spell that both he and his side are currently experiencing.
"Everyone has their moments from the media and as captain to a degree you expect to get it or, as an international batsman if you are not scoring the runs you would like," Giles said.
"For what Andrew Strauss has done as a captain and player, maybe he has earned the right not to get quite as much criticism.
"Let's stick to the facts. Andrew would admit he would like more runs but let's leave it there for now and let the team get on and do their jobs.
Dangerous
"He's come back before. All I would say is he is a very dangerous man to write off because he is an exceptionally good player and good character.
"You are risking making yourself look a bit silly if you write him off.
"We all get the criticism at different times in our career but Andrew has always handled himself very professionally and with great dignity. He won't change."
Giles believes there is still plenty for England to be positive about despite experiencing a slump after establishing themselves as the world's top Test side.
"We continue to do a lot right, we've got a good set-up, are very well led from the top, have a good management team, and fine players," he added.
"We haven't always got it right out there this winter but that happens sometimes and, as long as you learn from it and get better next time, that's all you can ask."
