England v West Indies: Strauss reaffirms captaincy commitment

Andrew Strauss has reaffirmed his commitment to the England captaincy ahead of the first Test against West Indies, which begins at Lord’s on Thursday.

Strauss has come under pressure recently after a series of low scores but the 35-year-old rebuffed suggestions he was becoming tired of the responsibility associated with being England skipper ahead of the series opener.

Asked if he has ever felt fed-up of the job, Strauss replied: “Not even close. There may be a situation where that has happened to England captains in the past – and maybe it will to me in the future – but I’m not there at the moment yet.

“I’m excited about the challenges ahead, to come out at Lord’s again, and I’m hoping we will all show what we’re capable of this summer.”

And West Indies captain Darren Sammy was quick to play down any suggestion that his counterpart was a potential weak spot in England’s line-up and backed him to bounce back from his recent dip in form.

“I don’t think it’s the first time he has been under pressure, and he’s responded quite well in the past,” he said.

“Pressure could make you crumble; pressure could make you rise above your expectations – and I know Strauss is a strong guy mentally.”

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