Flower backs Strauss over ODI captaincy

ANDREW Strauss can rest easy – he will be England's one-day international captain for the foreseeable future.

Strauss' position was unexpectedly called into question on Sunday after national selector Geoff Miller's remarks on radio were interpreted by some as falling well short of confirmation the opening batsman could be sure of his twin role.

Within minutes of sealing a 2-0 npower Test series triumph over Bangladesh at Old Trafford, a baffled Strauss was therefore beset by questions about his future in the 50-over team.

It says much about his security, though, that England coach Andy Flower was unaware of the transient uncertainty – because Strauss never mentioned the topic when the two spoke of their plans for the NatWest Series against Australia and Bangladesh this month and next.

"Strauss did not mention any of that to me last night," he said, before making it abundantly clear the Middlesex batsman is central to England's ambitions as they plot a path towards next year's World Cup. "Andrew Strauss will be captaining in the one-dayers. He is a fine leader and a fine batsman.

"Over the past 12 months, he has played some very good limited-overs cricket. He has been the architect of the attacking type of cricket England's one-day side has been playing."