Strauss eyes SA series scalp

Mon Nov 2 2009 08:10:22

Andrew Strauss has demanded his England side view their Ashes triumph as only a stepping stone to becoming the world's best team.

England have 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.

The last time they reclaimed the Ashes in 2005 they followed it up with a 2-0 Test series defeat in Pakistan the following winter.

Strauss is determined to ensure a similar scenario is avoided against South Africa and insists England's players realise challenging times lie ahead.

He said: "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.

"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.

"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."

England must face South Africa over four Tests without talisman Freddie Flintoff, who retired from the five-day game after the Ashes.

It is hoped all-rounder Stuart Broad will emerge as Flintoff's successor following his heroics this summer.

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