LONDON, July 6: Andrew Strauss is looking forward to the chance to facing Morne Morkel in what will be his 50th Test at Lord’s next week despite coming up short against the South Africa quick at Uxbridge on Saturday.

Morkel needed just six balls to see off Johannesburg-born Strauss on the second day of this three-day tour match, South Africa’s last before the opening encounter of a four-Test series.

But although Strauss’s stay was brief, Middlesex did manage 311 for five in reply to South Africa’s 359 for five thanks mainly to a maiden first-class hundred for the county from Ireland international Eoin Morgan, who ended the day on 109 not out.

Strauss, caught down the legside by Morkel, is well aware of the pace threat posed by the Proteas who also have the likes of Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini in their attack.

“They are one of the stronger attacks in world cricket,” Strauss told Sky Sports News. “A lot of our batsmen actually prefer a little bit more pace on the ball.

“Certainly Michael Vaughan always plays well against quick bowling – and I think Cookie (Alastair Cook) is very good against quick bowling.” However, he added: “If it is very quick and accurate and it’s swinging, it is going to be hard work,” he predicts.

“But we hope there will be more scoring opportunities as well.” Meanwhile, South Africa coach Mickey Arthur added: “Our bowling has definitely been up a notch here (from South Africa’s opening tour match at Taunton).

“Ntini and Morkel are in a ‘better place’ than they were at Taunton.

“We are confident with where we are at and believe we are getting enough out of this match.”—AFP