Strauss to players: Perform in Champions Trophy or be sacked

Johannesburg: England captain Andrew Strauss has said the Champions Trophy would be the last chance for many players to exhibit their competence. He warned that certain players can expect marching orders if they fail to perform. England's Champions Trophy challenge starts against Sri Lanka on Friday. "The tour parties for South Africa will be announced after this event. So, obviously the performances of the Australia series and this Champions Trophy will be on the selectors' minds," The Telegraph quoted Strauss, as saying. "The guys have three more opportunities to show what they can do," he added. Strauss has hinted this following a string of batting flops during the seven-game NatWest Series against the Australians, which caused England to slump to a 6-1 defeat.