Strauss wants to build on Ashes win

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

England arrived in South Africa for their two-and-a-half month tour with the long-term goal of replacing Graeme Smith's side at the top of the rankings.

"We've talked a lot about how winning the Ashes is not the end of the road, it's almost the starting point for us to improve," Strauss said. "We'd be lying if we didn't want to be the number one side in the world."

He added: "But if you look at how the ranking system works it will take a number of years of solid progression from where we are at the moment and consistency is crucial.

"Ultimately it's about not taking our foot off the gas.

"The perception of the post-2005 period is that we took our eye off the ball quite badly. I'm not comfortable with that myself.

"I remember that Pakistan tour and how hard we worked at it. We had a number of very crucial ijuries which didn't help.

"If you look at our performances over the last 12 months we're far from the genuine article and where we want to be.

"No one in the squad truly believes we've made it, we've got a long way to go. I want to see our players hungry and committed."