CRICKET: Super Strauss sets seal on dream year

The 27-year-old former Oxfordshire batsman followed up his first-innings of 126 against South Africa in the first Test at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth with an unbeaten 94 to see England home by seven wickets.

It capped an amazing seven months for South African-born Strauss, who only got his chance to break into the side when Michael Vaughan was sidelined with a knee injury for the first Test against New Zealand in May.

The Middlesex captain, who made one Minor Counties Championship appearance for Oxon against Cornwall at Thame in 1996, grasped his chance in brilliant fashion by making 112 and 83 as England won by seven wickets at his home ground of Lord's.

The former Radley College schoolboy's introduction into the side coincided with the start of England's history-making run.

After helping England sweep aside the Kiwis 3-0, he returned to Lord's to make 137 in the first Test against the West Indies at Lord's in July. It provided the springboard for England's 4-0 whitewash.

Throw in a first-one day international century, also against the West Indies at Lord's in the same month - and it's been some year for Strauss, who played club cricket for Rover Cowley in the Cherwell League,.

Reflecting on his meteoric rise, he said: "It's gone really well. I have felt in pretty good form in every match.

"It's good to play alongside some very good cricketers, it rubs off on you when you come into the side.

"Over eight Test matches, eight different batsmen have scored 100 and that shows the depth we have got. Hopefully it will continue for the rest of the series."

A former Oxfordshire Colts captain, Strauss set about clinching England's latest victory in positive fashion with clouds looming beyond the stands and just 49 runs needed.

"We felt as though once we got below 30-odd we should try to finish it as quickly as possible, with one eye on the weather - it looked a little bleak out the back," he said.

"I felt it was worth taking the odd risk to finish it.

"I'm feeling pretty confident. We've had enough bad times in those eight Test matches for me to realise it's not an easy game. You've got to work hard and this Test match was no different.

Strauss and his all-conquering teammates will be looking to keep the magical run going in the second Test in Durban, which gets under way on Boxing Day Sunday.

today led the celebrations after England extended their winning Test run to a record eight matches.

Strauss marked his debut earlier this year with a century against New Zealand, and his 220 runs against South Africa in the opening Test paved the way to today's eighth successive victory - a new England record.

He has played in each of the eight Tests and appropriately struck the winning runs today, adding 94 not out to his first-innings 126.

"It's been a great eight Test matches. In every Test match someone else has contributed," Strauss said on Sky Sports 2, after England wrapped up a seven-wicket win in Port Elizabeth.

"They bowled very well yesterday but it was the sort of wicket that if you got in and spent some time, you could do well and fortunately I was able to do well.

"It's gone really well. I have felt in pretty good form in every match. It's good to play alongside some very good cricketers, it rubs off on you when you come into the side.

"Over eight Test matches, eight different batsmen have scored 100 and that shows the depth we have got. Hopefully it will continue for the rest of the series."

Strauss explained why, with clouds looming beyond the stands and just 49 runs needed, it was important to score at a rapid rate this morning.

"We felt as though once we got below 30-odd we should try to finish it as quickly as possible, with one eye on the weather - it looked a little bleak out the back," Strauss added on Sky Sports News.

"I felt it was worth taking the odd risk to finish it.

"I'm feeling pretty confident. We've had enough bad times in those eight Test matches for me to realise it's not an easy game. You've got to work hard and this Test match was no different.

"We had to dig deep at times and we came out the other side and all credit to the boys for doing that."

Captain Michael Vaughan hailed the character of his record-breaking players.

He lauded paceman Simon Jones who "made the difference" with his bowling display yesterday.

Vaughan said: "We haven't really thought about the eight victories.

"We just concentrated on the game here. We're delighted to go 1-0 up."

Now England are focusing on securing a ninth successive win in Durban, with the second Test beginning on Boxing Day.

"There's periods of play where we have played outstanding cricket and there's also areas where we need to improve for Durban," said Vaughan.

"There's been some outstanding individual performances in the match.

"Andrew Strauss was outstanding throughout the whole match and I thought Simon Jones' attitude and the way he bowled yesterday really turned the game for us.

"There was a period of play yesterday when the South Africans were beginning to get on top and Simon Jones made the difference.

"It shows the amount of character which is in our team."

England began their tour of South Africa with defeat to the national team's second string side in a first-class match, but they returned to peak form for the Test.

"There's a lot of mental resolve which was needed in the days between the South Africa A defeat and the game here," Vaughan added.

"We have got a bit of experience to draw back upon, and we came out and produced a performance which we can improve for Durban, but we're delighted to go 1-0 up."

Vaughan revealed how England would toast their achievement.

"We'll have a game of golf this afternoon and probably celebrate in true English style before going to Durban tomorrow."

England coach Duncan Fletcher was quick to turn his attention to the second Test.

"I'm very proud, the lads did a tremendous job," he said.

"You can't go out looking to make history, it just comes along. The guys have done very well.

"It comes down to confidence, the more they win the more confident you are. And the appreciation, you realise you have got to work harder and harder with every win you can get get.

"We'll get on and make sure we win the series. We've got to make sure we get focused and work hard ready to start in Durban on Boxing Day," he said.

England were resisting the opportunity to go over the top with their celebrations.

There remains ample opportunity for South Africa to hit back in the five-match series, and host captain Graeme Smith was not overly despondent.

"There's a few positives for us," he said. "We know what they are and we have to take them into the next Test match.

"A five-Test match series offers us a lot of time to come back into the series and it's crucial we play a lot better in Durban on all five days and not just on one or two of the days."

South Africa looked in a strong position yesterday morning, but their batting collapsed in spectacular fashion, opening the door for England to chase 142 for victory.

"It was seesaw," added Smith. "I thought we did well to get back in the match on day three but we let ourselves down on day four. They came out and played a lot better than us.