Strauss hits right notes at Stones

The Ashes-winning skipper arrived at the Foster’s Halifax League club at around 5pm - an hour later than anticipated - after setting off from London at noon and battling his way through the traffic to the isolated Ripponden club.

Strauss came to Stones to conduct a coaching session for the club’s successful under 11s, as part of team’s prize for winning a national competition.

Stones’ David Normanton, who is president of the Halifax League, said the children had been extremely excited by Strauss’s visit and had given him a warm welcome.

“He was very accommodating and it was very, very successful,” said Normanton.

Strauss had set up training drills for the players and he and the club’s coaches had put the youngsters through their paces.

He then signed autographs in the clubhouse and had been presented with a Stones club hoodie, staying until after 7pm.

“He was down to earth and he couldn’t have done more for us,” added Normanton.

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