Strauss takes pride in appointment

_{Watch Andrew Strauss speak exclusively to ECBtv after being unveiled as England's new Test captain}

Andrew Strauss is honoured and excited to be named Test captain after a turbulent couple of weeks for England cricket.

The new skipper held a press conference at Lord’s yesterday and immediately set about making his mark on his new position.

“It is the ultimate honour as a cricketer,” he told ECBtv. “To be thought of as the captain of your country is a fantastic honour.

“That is why I am so excited about doing the job. I recognise that it is a very hard job to do and entails a lot of work.

“I suppose there is a slight hint of trepidation as there is a lot in front of you. But above all, it is excitement and pride.”

With the removal of both Kevin Pietersen and Peter Moores within the last 48 hours, Strauss has not had much time to reflect on his appointment yet.

“It has happened very, very quickly,” he admitted. “I suppose the circumstances in which I have taken over means there is a lot of work to do straight away.

“I am sure that at some stage I will have a glass of wine and think about what’s gone on and what’s to come.”

What is immediately to come for Strauss and England is a tour of West Indies, with the team due to leave for the Caribbean on January 21.

Andrew Strauss is excited and honoured to be named England captain for the upcoming series

“They are an improving side and it is not going to be a walk in the park, by any means,” he said.

“With the Ashes round the corner, these next six Test matches are crucial. We need to be switched on from ball one of that first Test match and make sure that we play good, consistent cricket.

“I think if we do that, we can beat them.”

As for Strauss’ own role, as captain and opening batsman, he in confident that the two can combine in the best possible way for the team.

“I’ve always felt the captaincy has helped my batting, if anything,” he confirmed. “It certainly did at Middlesex, and when I did it for England.

“Let’s hope that continues. You never know, but I hope that is the case - that I play well and that the England team plays well also.”

Strauss captained England in the 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan in 2006, and is keen to build on that success.

“Clearly it was great to be part of a series-winning side and to lead the side,” he agreed.

“The circumstances were slightly different because I was just a stand-in and Michael Vaughan was running the show.

“It gave me a great appreciation of what the job involves and I suppose that experience will be invaluable.

“I’ve got to tell the guys what my philosophy is as captain and we need to move on together.”