Strauss wants his men to block out off-field setbacks

(Reuters) - England skipper Andrew Strauss was confident his men would not get distracted by the injury and illness setbacks that have hit the team and urged them to play "intelligent cricket" in their World Cup quarter-final against Sri Lanka on Saturday. As if losing Kevin Pietersen (hernia), Stuart Broad (side strain) and Ajmal Shahzad (hamstring) was not bad enough, all-rounder Michael Yardy was the latest to fly back home suffering from depression.
Asked if Yardy's abrupt return would impact the side, Strauss said on Friday: "I hope not... It's a massive game of cricket and a one off event. If we lose, we're on a plane home. If we win, we are in the World Cup semi-finals.
"I think as player, you are quite used to switching on and off when the situation demands it."
There is also some concern about pace bowler Tim Bresnan who underwent a precautionary scan on his calf in his right leg.
"Tim Bresnan seems to have recovered well. At this stage we are quite confident he will be fit, otherwise everyone else is fit."
The off-field events added another twist to England's rollercoaster World Cup campaign.
Their Group B tussles included a narrow escape against the Netherlands, tie against India and defeats by Ireland and Bangladesh.
The also pulled off narrow wins over South Africa and West Indies and Strauss want his men to be prepared if Saturday's match also goes down to the wire.
"We were not expecting to create high drama. We were expecting to play good cricket and qualify for the quarter-finals... It's great for the spectators that our games were close," Strauss said.
"We don't know what drama is about to unfold (on Saturday)...We have stuck together in close encounters but you never know what this game is going to throw at you.
"The wicket has been relaid, so I am not entirely sure how it is going to play. Now is the time to play good, smart and intelligent cricket."