Time for England to get into forward gear

Those four stunning one-day victories against South Africa at the end of last summer seem like an age ago. Since then, England have lost the chance to win $1million apiece from Sir Allen Stanford, lost five out of five 50-over internationals in India, lost a Test series on the subcontinent and, most remarkably of all, lost both captain and coach.

Life almost has to get better after that little lot but nothing other than a commanding performance against West Indies in the First Test, which starts later today, will convince the doubters that new skipper Strauss can look forward to 2009 with real confidence.

In many ways, a four-match series in the Caribbean against lowly ranked opponents might be considered a perfect light appetiser for far meatier courses - such as the Twenty20 World Cup and a winnable Ashes battle in the summer.

But, thanks to events on the field just before Christmas and off it just after, there is huge pressure on England to look and play like winners again.

Strauss, chosen to pick up the pieces after predecessor Kevin Pietersen had been pushed on to his sword and Peter Moores was sacked as coach, insists that talk of rifts in the team have been exaggerated. Kingston's Sabina Park should show whether the spirit is strong and the flesh, willing.

"There is a huge will on everyone's behalf to move forward," said Strauss, before finalising a team which he was confident would include Andrew Flintoff after his recent side strain.

Strauss is the latest England captain to talk about using all-rounder Flintoff as a strike bowler, rather than a workhorse. But, for that to happen regularly the rest of the pace attack must match 'Fred' for consistency. All too often, limp spells from Steve Harmison and Jimmy Anderson have seen Flintoff in action when he should be taking a breather.

And sharing responsibility a bit more evenly would not go amiss in the batting department, either. Alastair Cook failed to make a century during 2008 while Ian Bell has been clinging to a place for so long his finger nails must be worn out.

Friday's Indian Premier League auction is a possible distraction for England. But they would do well to give an improving West Indies team, including world No 1 batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul and a clutch of dangerous fast bowlers, their full attention.

Keeper Matt Prior, meanwhile, will miss the final Test so he can return home for birth of his first child - due on 2 March. Steven Davies will go to the Caribbean to provide cover for current No 2 Tim Ambrose.