IPL not a distraction for us: Strauss

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With Saturday`s auction in the Indian Premier League (IPL) looming, Strauss was asked whether that would be a distraction for his players.

“I certainly hope not, I think we`ve had this circumstance before,” said the England captain.

Names of several members of the current squad will appear in the auction to be held in Bangalore with James Anderson, Ian Bell, Graeme Swann, Ravi Bopara, Matt Prior and Chris Tremlett appearing favourites to be included. Stuart Broad, Eoin Morgan and Kevin Pietersen already have IPL contracts in place.

“I certainly remember Test matches in the past where this has been looming, in the background – and it is very much in the background. I would be very, very surprised if any of our players had their attention anywhere other than on the game at the moment – especially after what’s happened over the last couple of Test matches. So it’s not a big issue for us.”

End.