Strauss demands more from England

Andrew Strauss is calling for a major improvement from his England team as they bid to close out a famous series victory in South Africa.

Strauss' men go into the fourth and final Test with an unbeatable 1-0 lead against opponents who have made no secret of the fact they are prepared to gamble for a win which would square the score.

An innings victory in Durban, which came either side of two last-gasp draws with nine wickets down each time at Centurion and Newlands, is responsible for England's favourable position.

Strauss, however, is not glossing over the fact England got themselves into what looked a certain losing situation in Cape Town - before Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell and finally Graham Onions bailed them out on the last day.

"You'd have to go quite a long way to improve on our performance in Durban," Strauss said.
"But we certainly need to be better than we were in Cape Town.

"We had opportunities there we didn't take."
Confirmation from the home camp that a 'result' pitch is being prepared, on which pace bowlers are likely to be dominant, has been noted by Strauss.

But England will not fall into the trap of pre-judging the conditions, on hearsay.
"In all likelihood it isn't going to be a draw here this week," added the captain.

"So we need to get ahead of them, put them under pressure and make sure we go on and win the Test.

"But I think it's dangerous to have too many preconceptions about what the wicket is going to do.

"My previous experience here was that it offered a little bit for the bowlers. But like a lot of the wickets here, it's going to be quite new-ball orientated."

Strauss knows the battleground, more than ever, will be between top-order batsmen and 'gun' bowlers.

"If you can get over the new ball, I fully expect there to be some runs to be scored.
"But we need to be prepared. If the ball nibbles around a lot and offers the bowlers a lot, we've got to back our bowlers to be better than theirs."

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Strauss and Pietersen cash in

Andrew Strauss bagged his first hundred and Kevin Pietersen his first half-century of their South African winter on Friday.

England's hosts, a South African Invitational XI, needed 82 overs to take their first authentic wicket in a stumps total of 317 for five declared on day one of two at Buffalo Park.

Strauss (100), Pietersen (71), Alastair Cook (52) and Jonathan Trott (50) all fed off a toothless attack on a sedate pitch after England had been invited to bat first in sunny conditions.

The most pressing question of the day, meanwhile, went unanswered as England batted on and therefore gave James Anderson another 24 hours to rest his injured knee before the fast bowler seeks to prove his fitness in time for Centurion.

Strauss shared an unbroken stand of 101 with Cook, and then 68 with a largely strokeless Trott - before the latter helped Pietersen add 105 more.

The changing of the guard came about not with any success for the bowlers but the decision that each batsman in turn could afford to retire his innings with appropriate runs and time at the crease under his belt.

The latter element appeared to almost entirely absorb Trott - who contributed only 24 runs from 83 balls in the second session, despite a late surge of three boundaries before tea.

He had an lbw scare on nought, Roy Adams beating his defence, and then took no chances even against a back-up attack which featured home captain Wendell Bossenger - usually a wicketkeeper - bowling laboured leg-spin.

Strauss was breaking no speed limits but outscored Trott by 55 runs to eight, on his way to 161-ball century.

The captain immediately made way for Pietersen - who promptly drove the second and third ball he faced for fours, off his namesake Charl, and then pushed a single from the fifth to overtake the dormant Trott.

He beat his partner to 50 too, England calling time on Trott the moment he finally reached his 135-ball half-century in mid-evening.

Pietersen was starting to threaten three figures when he actually lost rather than donated his wicket, holing out in the deep as he tried to add to his 12 fours from 100 balls with a big hit at off-spinner Yasseen Vallie.

Ian Bell then became the only batsman to miss a half-century, gone for single figures when he chopped a delivery from Keagan Eccles on to his stumps. Cook had earlier posted his second successive 50, while Strauss made no mistake with an obvious opportunity for a long innings - having managed only a single in the first fixture against these opponents, which finished in a draw on the same pitch yesterday.

Eccles strayed first on to the pads and then dropped short, as Strauss got himself moving with two leg-side fours.

Teenage pace bowler Aya Myoli was pacy enough to keep both Strauss and Cook on their mettle.

It was first change David Wiese who perhaps came closest to a morning wicket, with a yorker which appeared to strike Strauss on the boot when he had made 20 but must have swung too much or hit bat too - because the lbw appeal was turned down.

There were no alarms otherwise, Cook reaching his 50 first with a pull for his eighth four as Eccles continued to provide easy scoring opportunities in his second spell.

An unremarkable day meandered ever more slowly, raising doubt as to the true benefit derived by tourists who will have to adapt to a jarring change of pace next week.

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Strauss firm on Twenty20 decision

England captain Andrew Strauss has reiterated his intent of not getting involved in Twenty20 cricket. Strauss had opted to stand down from England's Twenty20 squad earlier this year because the format didn't suit his accumulative style and he has said he has no plans to revisit his stance.

"Never say never. But at this stage, I've got no plans to play Twenty20 cricket," he was quoted as saying by PA Sport. "My reasons for not playing Twenty20 cricket are firstly that there are some limitations in my game in that format and secondly I believe strongly that for me to continue playing well in the 50-over format and Test cricket something's got to give.

"You've got to remain reasonably fresh as an international captain, to be able to motivate people. For me, it just makes sense that I step aside from the Twenty20 and give myself the time to prepare properly for 50-over and Test cricket."

Strauss opted to keep a low profile during the Twenty20 series against South Africa, even as England were hit by key injury blows, but showed he was unaffected by his break from the action by contributing a vital half-century in the 50-over win over South Africa A. Strauss did not deny rumours that he had been almost forced into stepping back into the Twenty20 set-up last week but felt his solidity was more suited to longer periods.

"There were some considerations given. But ultimately, me playing in a one-off capacity is not going to help the team long term," he said. "I'm not going to be there in the West Indies [at the 2010 World Twenty20] - so if there are injuries there, or 'Colly' [captain Paul Collingwood] gets injured, someone needs to step up and take over."

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ANDREW STRAUSS IS READY FOR SOUTH AFRICAN CRICKET TEAM

THE England cricket team, led by Andrew Strauss, are ready to go toe to toe with the South Africans today as the one-day series takes off.

Skipper Andrew Strauss knows the home side will not hold back, particularly after five, straight 50-over defeats against England.

And the fact the last of those was the infamous Champions Trophy clash – when England beat South Africa on home soil after Strauss refused opposing skipper Graeme Smith a runner for cramp – adds even more edge than usual.

Smith could barely contain his anger towards Strauss after the game in September, saying: “The world is round and that will come back on him.”

However, the England captain has heard it all before and expects another ­confrontational series with their hosts, starting today in Johannesburg.

Strauss said: “We haven’t had much to do with them.

“South Africa-England games are always competitive, the cricket is always aggressive and in your face. This series is going to be no different. We know that and we’re prepared for it as well.”

The hosts have been vociferous in the build-up, with coach Mickey Arthur having plenty to say.

But that does not concern Strauss, who even took the opportunity to repeat Smith’s vague warning.
He said: “There has been quite a lot said but not much by me.


“I think, when you come to South Africa, you expect this. We’ve seen this before, so none of it particularly surprises me.

“All I would say is we’ve tried not to come out with big comments about the opposition – because, as we all know, the world is round and these things can come back to haunt you at some stage. I think we’re all excited to get out there on the pitch and let the bats do the talking.”

England’s continuing injury problems saw them call up Kent’s James Tredwell ­yesterday because of Graeme Swann’s side problem.

And Test squad member Liam Plunkett has had to take an early flight as cover for seamer Stuart Broad, who will not be considered for the first couple of matches.

However, Alastair Cook, Paul Collingwood and James Anderson all have a chance of playing today after recovering from a series of minor ailments.

Tredwell’s last-minute dash raises the possibility he may be preferred to Adil Rashid, who went for 25 in his only over in the second Twenty20 game on Sunday. Strauss did not give anything away but said 27-year-old Tredwell was in with a chance of playing.

“It’s definitely an option we want to have,” added Strauss.

“They’ve got quite a few left-handers and that ability to spin the ball away from them is an important one.

“But, at the same time, Adil Rashid is improving and I think the more exposure he gets to international cricket, the better he’ll get.

“I wouldn’t write him off [for today’s match] by any means.

“But, clearly, it is important we have both options.”

Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene and Prasanna Jayawardene broke a 72-year-old world record in the first Test against India at Ahmedabad.

Sri Lanka declared their first innings at 760-7 after a marathon 351-run sixth-wicket stand between the Jayawardenes.

Australia’s Don Bradman and Jack Fingleton held the previous record of 346 runs, which was set in 1937 against England in Melbourne.

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Strauss Century Guides England Past The Warriors

England 256-2 (Strauss 117no, Denly 82) beat
Warriors 254-5 (Jacobs 83no, Swann 3-26) by eight wickets
Tour match, Kimberley

Andrew Strauss scored an unbeaten century as England warmed up for their upcoming matches against South Africa with a convincing eight-wicket win over the Chevrolet Warriors.

The Warriors, who beat New Zealand ahead of the Champions Trophy, were unable to take another international scalp as Strauss's unbeaten 117 helped England reach 256 for two in reply to 254 for five.

The left-hander hit ten fours and a six, sharing an opening stand of 175 with Joe Denly, who made 82 as England made an assured start to their innings.

Denly and Alastair Cook (32) were the men to fall, leaving Strauss and Paul Collingwood, unbeaten on 12, to finish the match.

Earlier, Graeme Swann picked up three wickets and Adil Rashid one as the Warriors, led by 83 not out from Arno Jacobs, gave England a stern workout in the field.

Jacobs struck ten boundaries and was supported by namesake Davey (50) with Sajid Mahmood also picking up a wicket.

England meet South Africa in the first of two Twenty20 Internationals on Friday 13th September ahead of five One-Day Internationals and four Tests.

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Strauss leads England to victory

Andrew Strauss continued his rich run of form with an unbeaten 117 to help England to an eight-wicket victory in their second tour match, against the Warriors at the De Beers Diamond Oval.

The captain was composed throughout his 119-ball innings, dominating the home side's bowling as he and Joe Denly (85) laid a firm platform - in pursuit of the 255 victory target - with an impressive 175 opening stand.

They eventually cruised home with 9.1 overs to spare as the earlier efforts of 83 not out from Arno Jacobs and Davey Jacobs (50) proved in vain.

The victory will be pleasing for Andy Flower, but there will still be concern over the bowling - with only Graeme Swann (three for 26) really shining in Kimberley.
But the England coach will have no worries over his batsmen, who again showed good form to go with the 185-run opening win in Bloemfontein on Friday.

They attacked from the outset, with Denly smashing the first boundary at the end of the first over to set the tone - Andrew Birch veering down the leg-side and dispatched through midwicket.

The Kent batsman, who failed in the first game, edged the same bowler away through the slip region for his second boundary, before watching his captain get into the groove with four fours and a massive six over long-off to help his side reach 50 in only the ninth over.

Darryl Brown was brought into the attack and almost got the breakthrough when a Strauss drive fell just short of a diving Arno at mid-off.

England ended the first 15 overs at 84 for none, Strauss bringing up his 50 from 51 balls with a single off Corbyn Dolley through extra cover.

The 100 followed in the 19th over - and, with a solid platform in place, the pair began to accelerate.

Denly reached his half-century from 60 deliveries - and clobbered Dolley for his first maximum just before the 150 was raised in the 25th over.

He hit another six off Brown over the long-on fence before he fell - Brown having him caught by Siyamthanda Ntshona at long-on with only 76 left to get.

The loss of Denly's wicket did not halt the flow of runs, with Alastair Cook offering support to his captain, helping take his side past 200 in the 34th over.

Strauss, who made 72 against the Diamond Eagles, brought up his hundred from 109 balls with a single off Dolley down to the deep cover area, before the 50 partnership came up in 52 balls.

Cook was eventually out for 34 but Paul Collingwood (12 not out) helped his captain seal an emphatic win.

Earlier, it was Arno that turned on the style for his side. He and his namesake Davey were largely responsible for getting their side above 250, thanks a 130-run partnership.

It overshadowed a good bowling display from Swann, the only England bowler to impress.

Tim Bresnan, playing in place of Stuart Broad - rested for two games after jarring his right shoulder in the opening win - looked threatening in his spell of none for 40, but James Anderson, Sajid Mahmood and Adil Rashid were expensive.

England were without Graham Onions, who was not risked because of lower back trouble, with Bresnan, Rashid and Cook taking the places of Broad, Jonathan Trott and Luke Wright.

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England's Wright behind Strauss

Luke Wright maintains that the team will always be behind Strauss amid suggestions from Graeme Smith he acted out of character.

The South Africa skipper was denied a runner during his innings of 141 during their much-publicised Champions Trophy altercation in September after being struck down by cramp in what was a crucial match for the tournament hosts, with the eventual 22-run loss in Pretoria putting the hosts out of the competition.

Although it emerged afterward that the umpires made the final call, Strauss was cast as the villain with Smith saying in a recent interview that his England counterpart acted against character.

The incident is certain to boil over with the local public and could even lead to more friction in the middle during England's two-and-a-half-month tour to the country, but Wright is giving his full backing to his leader.

He said: "I think you're always behind your captain and when Strauss made the decision, everyone was behind him.

"It's not something that has actually been mentioned again. We've just got on with it and it's something that hasn't bothered us.

"I can only speak of the last game, it was like any other game in international cricket, they were in your face. It's always hard and tough on this stage, there's not too many smiling faces when you're out there anyway, so I'm sure it won't be any different this series.

"I'm sure they'll come out hard like any other team, but if they want to come out any harder for this series, I don't know.

"We'll just have to wait and see, but it's not something that we're particularly worried about." The Sussex all-rounder trained with the rest of his team during a rain-interrupted session at the University of the Free State this morning as they prepared for Friday's opening tour match - a 50-over encounter against the Diamond Eagles in Bloemfontein.

England will then play two further practise games against local sides, before the first of two Twenty20 internationals is followed by a five-match one-day series and four Test matches against the Proteas, who are the top-ranked side in the five-day game.

Wright is expecting a difficult challenge against Smith and his men, but not one that is too tough for England to handle.

He continued: "It's certainly up there, obviously they're the number one side in the world, so you have to say they are (going to be tough).

"They're a great side, they are strong all round and have no particular weakness. But you know, as we've showed that if we play to our best, we've got a great chance." As for his own form, Wright believes that his last batting performance for his country, which came during the Champions Trophy semi-final loss to Australia, showed a "different side" to his game - one he is hoping to showcase more during the tour.
That performance came after his side had slumped to 101 for six, and together with Tim Bresnan, shared a 107-run partnership to lift England to a competitive 257.
He added: "I think the nice thing about it (that partnership) on a personal note, was that it showed a different side of my game. It was not all crash, bang, wallop that I've been renowned for.

"Obviously a lot of the time I get pushed up the order to go into powerplays, which I'm happy to do, but that was a chance to actually bat and show people another side."

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Ashes win only the starting point - Andrew Strauss

England have arrived in South Africa for their two-and-a-half month tour with captain Andrew Strauss determined to build on his team's 2-1 victory in the Ashes during the summer. Strauss is especially keen for his team to stake its claim to the No. 1 Test ranking, an honour that currently belongs to South Africa.

"We've talked a lot about how winning the Ashes is not the end of the road, it's almost the starting point for us to improve," Strauss said. "We'd be lying if we didn't want to be the number one side in the world. But if you look at how the ranking system works it will take a number of years of solid progression from where we are at the moment and consistency is crucial. Ultimately it's about not taking our foot off the gas."

England were criticised for seemingly taking their foot off the gas after they won the Ashes in 2005. They had followed up that victory with a 2-0 drubbing in Pakistan.

"The perception of the post-2005 period is that we took our eye off the ball quite badly. I'm not comfortable with that myself," Strauss said. "I remember that Pakistan tour and how hard we worked at it. We had a number of very crucial injuries which didn't help.

"If you look at our performances over the last 12 months we're far from the genuine article and where we want to be. No one in the squad truly believes we've made it, we've got a long way to go. I want to see our players hungry and committed."

England are scheduled to play two Twenty20 internationals, five ODIs, and four Tests in South Africa and this will be their first Test series since Andrew Flintoff's retirement from the format. Flintoff, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation from surgery in Dubai, won't be available for the limited-overs formats either.

In Flintoff's absence, Stuart Broad, who was Man of the Match in the deciding Ashes Test at The Oval, is expected to perform the allrounder's role in the side but Strauss sought to play down the attention on the 24-year old. "It's not a realistic expectation for Broad to fill Flintoff's shoes in both disciplines in the short term. It would be wrong to heap that expectation on his shoulders," Strauss said.

"Over the years we've had to do without Flintoff quite often and what we've found is that we've done quite well by everyone taking responsibility and playing a bit better. Stuart Broad is not a like for like replacement for Flintoff anyway but he has his own set of skills, some of which are world class and some of which need work. We don't want him to be the saviour we turn to, we need all 11 to do that.

"Stuart has his head screwed on. There has been a lot of media attention on him but he realises that there's much room for him to improve. We're excited about him but the last thing I want to do is put a huge amount of expectation on his shoulders. You must give people room to improve and hopefully he'll continue that development this winter.

England begin their tour with a warm-up match against the Eagles on November 6 in Bloemfontein and have two more practice games ahead of the first Twenty20 international against South Africa in Johannesburg on November 13.

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STRAUSS: HOME RULE NO CONCERN

England captain Andrew Strauss has dismissed criticism over the number of players not born in this country among the squad heading for South Africa.

Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Strauss himself and Matt Prior were all born in South Africa, but the current England skipper is unconcerned by that fact.

He said: "In terms of trying to win the Test series it won't be a big issue, but it might bubble away in the background.

"All I can say is the selectors sit down and pick the best 15 England qualified players. The fact some of them have been born out of these shores is of no consequence.

"In order to make it to Test level you must show a lot of determination, hunger and desire.

"The fact Kevin and Jonathan have come over later in their lives is of no consequence.

"They've obviously had the determination, hunger and desire - possibly more than some people in county cricket. They deserve to be playing for England because of that.

"It's easy to start looking where you are born, but it's of no real consequence. As captain I'm very happy that the 15 players I've got are 100 per cent committed to performing for England and representing their country.

"That's the way it should be. Looking into their backgrounds is of no consequence to us and is not something we'll focus on."

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Andrew Strauss sure of Jonathan Trott's commitment

Andrew Strauss, the England captain, has said he is "100% happy with Jonathan Trott's commitment" and was not concerned by Michael Vaughan's allegations that the batsman celebrated with South Africa after they beat England at Edgbaston in 2008.

"He [Trott] said himself that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He knows a few of those players. I've spoken about it with him and he has a completely clear conscience on the matter," Strauss said. "He said hi and well done to the guys - if I wasn't playing in the Test I'd probably have said the same thing as well."

Trott had a spectacular debut this year, scoring a series-clinching century in the deciding Ashes Test at The Oval and Strauss said he was an "exciting prospect". "To uproot your life and start all over again in another country is a big decision and I'm sure he'll make the most of the opportunity of playing for England."

Strauss was speaking ahead of England's departure for the two-and-a-half month tour of South Africa, a trip which includes Twenty20 internationals, ODIs and Tests. Strauss felt playing South Africa at home was "probably the hardest assignment there is. It's harder than winning the Ashes at home. In pure cricketing terms this is as hard as it gets right now."

England's 15-man squad includes four players with ties to South Africa. Wicketkeeper Matt Prior and Strauss himself were born in Johannesburg, while Trott and Kevin Pietersen moved to England after spending their formative years in South Africa. Pietersen had received a hostile reception from the South African crowd when he toured there five years ago and a similar welcome could lie in store for Trott. Strauss, however, insisted that it wouldn't be a distraction to England's goal.

"In terms of trying to win the Test series, it won't be a big issue but it might bubble away in the background," Strauss said. "All I can say is the selectors sit down and pick the best 15 England qualified players. The fact some of them have been born out of these shores is of no consequence.

"They've obviously had the determination, hunger and desire - possibly more than some people in county cricket. They deserve to be playing for England because of that. As captain I'm very happy that the 15 players I've got are 100% committed to performing for England and representing their country."

England begin their tour with a warm-up match against the Eagles on November 6 in Bloemfontein and have two more practice games ahead of the first Twenty20 international against South Africa in Johannesburg on November 13.

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Strauss: We'll handle hostility

Andrew Strauss expects England to shrug off any hostility to their South African contingent when they meet the world's number one team.

Strauss insists there will be no divided loyalties as England depart for the two-and-a-half month tour with a squad containing four players with South African connections.

Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen are products of the Rainbow Nation's cricketing system while Matt Prior and Strauss himself were born in Johannesburg.

Pietersen was heavily abused by crowds upon his return to South Africa as an England player five years ago and Trott faces a similar reaction during a tour consisting of four Tests and five one-day internationals.

Strauss has responded to critics of England's selection policy by stating their players' birthplace is unimportant.

"In terms of trying to win the Test series it won't be a big issue but it might bubble away in the background," he said.

"All I can say is the selectors sit down and pick the best 15 England qualified players.

"The fact some of them have been born out of these shores is of no consequence.

"In order to make it to Test level you must show a lot of determination, hunger and desire.

"The fact Kevin and Jonathan have come over later in their lives is of no consequence.

"They've obviously had the determination, hunger and desire - possibly more than some people in county cricket.

"They deserve to be playing for England because of that.

"I don't think this system can't produce good England players, we've seen it produce a number of good England born players over the years and that will to continue to be the case.

"It's easy to start looking where you are born but it's of no real consequence. It's about the yards people put in, not the system.

"As captain I'm very happy that the 15 players I've got are 100% committed to performing for England and representing their country.

"That's the way it should be. Looking into their backgrounds is of no consequence to us and is not something we'll focus on."

Michael Vaughan's criticism of Trott this week has added a twist to the presence of the Cape Town-born 28-year-old's, who scored a century on his Test debut in the Ashes decider at The Oval this summer.

Former England captain Vaughan revealed in his autobiography that Trott was spotted celebrating with South African players after they had beaten England at Edgbaston in 2008.

But Strauss dismisses any doubt over Trott loyalty to England.

"I'm 100% happy with Trott's commitment to playing for England and have no concern over it whatsoever," he said.

"He said himself that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He knows a few of those players.

"I've spoken about it with him and he has a completely clear conscience on the matter.

"He said hi and well done to the guys - if I wasn't playing in the Test I'd probably have said the same thing as well.

"He showed what an exciting prospect he is at the Oval.

"To uproot you life and start all over again in another country is a bid decision and I'm sure he'll make the most of the opportunity of playing for England."

Strauss believes beating South Africa away presents a greater challenge than winning the Ashes this summer.

"Playing South Africa, who are the number one team in the world, is probably the hardest assignment there is. It's harder than winning the Ashes at home," he said.
"In pure cricketing terms this is as hard as it gets right now."

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Cook ready to step in for Strauss

Alastair Cook has admitted he is willing to step into the England captaincy should Andrew Strauss be rested for the tour of Bangladesh next spring.

Strauss has indicated he may miss the month-long tour of the sub-Continent, which is sandwiched between the upcoming trip to South Africa and another busy summer schedule.

Should Strauss opt out Cook, 24, would be his obvious replacement after being handed the vice-captaincy 10 months ago - in the wake of the public falling out between Kevin Pietersen and Peter Moores that cost them their jobs.

Cook, who has played 48 Tests for England at the top of the order, admitted he has thought about the prospect of leading his country, but would not be disappointed should he be overlooked.

"There has been talk that Andrew Strauss might take the Bangladesh tour off next March," he told The Daily Telegraph. "Hypothetically, if it was the case, I'd love to give the captaincy a go but it's not my only goal in cricket.

"It's not like I won't be able to sleep at night if it doesn't happen."

England will play two Tests and three one-day internationals against Bangladesh, just over a month after they return from their tour to South Africa, which begins on Sunday.

Cook believes the lower-profile trip to Bangladesh could provide the ideal opportunity to hone his skills as a leader, admitting he has had little need to do so during his international career to date.

The Essex left-hander added: "You never know how you'll cope but ideally I'd probably want to have more experience of captaincy at county level before I did it.

"But I've been with England since I was 21, so I haven't had much chance to do that.
"As yet, the vice-captaincy hasn't added any pressure. It's very easy in cricket to become self-obsessed, especially us batsmen.

"So being forced to think about other players and issues can be a help."

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Vaughan Calls For Strauss To Miss Bangladesh Tour

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has stated that key players such as Andrew Strauss, Paul Collingwood and James Anderson should be rested when England tour Bangladesh early next year and that the decision should be taken now, rather than leaving it until after the South Africa tour.

There has been some talk of giving Strauss and other senior players a rest but Vaughan told The Guardian that the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) must act quickly and make a firm decision.

"This needs to be addressed now," he said. "Andrew Strauss should be rested for that trip, as should Paul Collingwood, as should Jimmy Anderson.

"They should announce it now because until they do, if the South Africa series goes wrong, then I guarantee that Strauss, Anderson, Collingwood will end up going to Bangladesh. I know what will happen. I've been in the job and I know what happens with the England selectors and I know what happens with the England team.

"We might lose in South Africa, we might lose heavily. Then everyone will start to worry about their position in the team, about young guys coming in. They will know that whoever you put in the team for Bangladesh should do well, so the players will start to get a little bit frightened about their position in the side. The selectors will say, 'We must start winning again' ahead of the next Ashes. England have got to let the players know they're being rested now so that if the South Africa series doesn't go the way we want it to there is not a mass call for these guys to go Bangladesh."

He added that one only needed to look at the form of Collingwood in the Champions Trophy to see the effect a break could have.

"He came back and started believing in himself again," Vaughan added. "He had a fresher mind. He needed to recharge his batteries. He came back and suddenly started hitting the ball. You need to be fresh to play at your maximum. More time at home for the players is paramount."

England's tour of Bangladesh, which comprises two Tests and three One-Day Internationals, gets underway on 28th February.

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