Andrew Strauss makes mark on England captaincy

Strauss’ record in England since taking the reins in January 2009 is the best of any England skipper, with yesterday’s nine-wicket win over West Indies at Trent Bridge sealing the latest victory.

The match was also England’s first win in nine attempts against West Indies in Nottingham, yet another sign of the way they have begun to exploit their home conditions on Strauss’ watch.

Strauss is mindful not to focus too heavily on statistics but concedes his team must be doing something right to keep chalking up such achievements.

“It’s nice to achieve these milestones,” he said. “I remember winning at Lord’s against Australia in 2009 [England’s first Ashes win at HQ in 75 years], and that was a significant feather in our caps.

“You really appreciate winning every Test match, because Test wins are not easily come by. We’re weary after two tough Tests against the West Indies but we’re very satisfied with what we’ve achieved.”

The main point of discussion among selectors this week will be whether or not to ease the workload on new-ball bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

Strauss admitted yesterday that the third Test at Edgbaston, which begins on Thursday 7 June, is being eyed as a chance for rotation.

England would not usually consider changes this early in the domestic programme but minor fitness issues have reared their heads at Trent Bridge.

“My arm is a bit stiff,” Strauss said. “Matt Prior hurt his hand in the warm-up on one of the practice days… it’s a bit of a niggle. Jimmy has also had a bit of niggle with his quad, but nothing more than that.”