Pragmatist Strauss set for battle

Pragmatist Strauss set for battle

It's almost impossible to imagine Andrew Strauss smashing dressing room windows with his bat following debatable lbw decisions.

While that approach worked for predecessor Nasser Hussain, Strauss expresses his frustrations in a more restrained manner.

Even after England's second-innings collapse in Jamaica, the batting disintegration on the first morning of the fourth Ashes Test at Headingley or at any stage during the one-day series drubbing against Australia, Strauss has resisted the urge to rant and rave.

"There are different ways to get through to people. Shouting and screaming is one way, but that has got to be in your nature," said Strauss.

"I've lost it a couple of times, not shouting and screaming, but I have voiced my disappointment about a couple of things in the nine months or so.

"One thing [England coach] Andy Flower and I have done as much as possible is be honest. When we are feeling disappointed and let down, we will say so.

"Headingley was a good example. We had a two-hour team meeting but there was no shouting and screaming. Instead there were players saying 'we're not good enough and saying we need to improve'."

Dressed in a crisp blue blazer matched with dark jeans and sober haircut, Strauss looks like every mother's ideal of the perfect son-in-law.

But despite his sensible appearance and approach, Strauss is no soft touch. Behind the benign smile lies a steely determination, a desire to succeed - and a man who absolutely despises losing.

Another tough assignment follows as England attempt to topple South Africa off top spot in the ICC Test rankings on home soil in a four-match series, their first in the post Andrew Flintoff world