Strauss reasserts ODI credentials

Andrew Strauss barely had time to start celebrating England's 2-0 Test triumph over Bangladesh before he had to defend his right to continue leading his country in one-day internationals too.

Strauss' team saw off all 10 Bangladesh batsmen twice over in back-to-back sessions of the second npower Test at Old Trafford, an extraordinary if not unique feat, to complete victory well inside three days by an innings and 80 runs. Yet the captain, whose last ODI deed was to lead England to a notable 2-1 success in South Africa, is having to contend with unexpected speculation about his limited-overs role.

"Everyone has been very supportive so far," he said.

"One of the great challenges of being captain is to make sure you are worth your spot in the side."

The uncertainty appears to have emanated from a radio interview with national selector Geoff Miller, in which a failure to confirm Strauss as the inked-in captain against Australia - the squad will be named on Thursday - has been interpreted by some as equivocation.

Paul Collingwood, who sat out the win over Bangladesh because of a shoulder injury, led England to the ICC World Twenty20 silverware last month.

But the former ODI captain has made it clear he has no ambition to take the reins again in 50-over matches.

Strauss, who has long ruled himself out of Twenty20s because he does not see himself as one of England's best batsmen in that format, added: "I have had a reasonable amount of success in one-day cricket over the last 12 months - but I should and can play better. That is going to be the challenge for me.

"We have had some preliminary chats about the one-day squad. Nothing is decided at this point."

Yet asked specifically if he hopes to be captain next year's World Cup, he replied: "Absolutely."