Andrew Strauss backed to continue as England Test captain

Sri Lanka v England, second Test

  • Venue: P Sara Oval, Colombo
  • Date: 3-7 April, 2012
  • Kick-off: 0515 BST

Coverage: BBC 5 live sports extra from 0515 BST, Digital satellite channel 0144, Freeview channel 706, Cable TV channel 864 or 908

Steven Finn and Jonathan Trott insist Test captain Andrew Strauss has the backing of the England dressing room.

Questions have been raised about 35-year-old Strauss's future following defeat by Sri Lanka in the first Test and his recent indifferent form.

Strauss in 2012

Pakistan v England

First Test, Dubai: 19 & 6

Second Test, Abu Dhabi: 11 & 32

Third Test, Dubai: 56 & 26

Sri Lanka v England

First Test, Galle: 26 & 27

"I don't think there is any question he won't be in charge this summer and beyond," Finn told BBC's Sportsweek.

Trott added: "I don't see anyone else captaining England - well, not for a couple of years."

The 75-run defeat in Galle was England's fourth in a row following the 3-0 whitewash by Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year.

Strauss's 110 against Australia in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane in November 2010 is his only century in 48 Test innings. He is averaging just 25.4 - compared to his career average of 41.2 - in four Test matches this winter.

England batting coach and former captain Graham Gooch said after Thursday's collapse against Sri Lanka that he does not believe Strauss will quit.

And Finn believes his Middlesex county colleague is still the right man to lead England in the five-day format.

"He's a great captain and everyone is behind him. It's not a conversation that has come up in the team because nobody thinks it is valid," said the 22-year-old fast bowler.

Trott, who climbed to ninth in the International Cricket Council Test batting rankings after scoring a second-innings century in Galle, added: "Andrew Strauss is our captain and he'll always be my captain as I see it.

"Everyone is 100% behind him. He's a fantastic leader and there is no doubt in my mind he's our captain."