England Cricketers In The Driving Seat Ahead Of India Test

GAYDON, UNITED KINGDOM – July 13, 2011: England Test cricketers Andrew Strauss, Jonathan Trott, Steve Finn and Eoin Morgan went back to driving school today to find out who is the best all-rounder behind the wheel of a Jaguar XK.

The four cricketers went head to head in a series of automotive challenges specifically designed to test their skills as professional sportsmen.

The event was organised by England Team partners Jaguar and took place at the Jaguar testing track in Gaydon, West Midlands. Challenges included slalom, breaking at speed and timed manoeuvres testing the player’s hand-eye co-ordination, spatial awareness and peripheral vision.

A team of professional drivers awarded the players points for each task. At close of play, the individual with the lowest score was presented with a set of Jaguar ‘L’ plates for the journey home.

Speaking at the event, England Test Captain, Andrew Strauss said: “Today’s been great fun and it’s good for the guys to take time out and feel relaxed ahead of the India Test. It’s been a long time since I took my driving test and it definitely wasn’t in a Jaguar XK! It’s an amazing car to drive, it looks great and handles really well, just a shame our driving skills couldn’t match the performance of the car.

“There was clearly some pride at stake; it got more competitive as the day went on. Having seen Steve Finn in action, there was no question that he fully deserved to drive home with the ‘L’ plates.”

Geoff Cousins, Managing Director, Jaguar UK said: “It was an entertaining afternoon watching Andrew, Jonathan, Steve and Eoin in a test of a different kind. Performance is at the heart of the Jaguar brand and today’s challenges allowed the cricketers to experience it firsthand in the Jaguar XK range.

“Our partnership, which is part of the Jaguar Academy of Sport, is now in its second year; we’re proud to support the England Cricket Team and would like to wish them all the best for the forthcoming Test series against India.”

Last year Jaguar became Official Vehicle Supplier of the England Cricket Team. The four-year partnership sees England’s centrally contracted cricketers drive Jaguar XJ, XF and XK models. Jaguar has also formed a strategic partnership with the ECB’s National Performance Centre. The partnership forms part of the “Jaguar Academy of Sport” which recognises, celebrates and inspires the next generation of British sporting talent and success.