Flower insists Strauss remains central to England's ODI thinking

Strauss's position was unexpectedly called into question at the weekend after national selector Geoff Miller's remarks on radio were interpreted by some as falling well short of confirmation the opening batsman could be sure of his twin role.

Within minutes of sealing a 2-0 npower Test series triumph over Bangladesh at Old Trafford, a baffled Strauss was therefore beset by questions about his future in the 50-over team.

It says much about his security, though, that England coach Andy Flower was unaware of the transient uncertainty – because Strauss never mentioned the topic when the two spoke of their plans for the NatWest Series against Australia and Bangladesh this month and next.

With the squad for those engagements set to be announced on Thursday, Flower also provided a glowing endorsement of Strauss's credentials in the World Cup format.

Unflappable Flower seemed mildly taken aback when informed of the speculation.

"Strauss did not mention any of that to me last night," he said, before making it abundantly clear the Middlesex batsman is central to England's ambitions as they plot a path towards next year's World Cup. "Andrew Strauss will be captaining in the one-dayers. He is a fine leader and a fine batsman.

"Over the past 12 months, he has played some very good limited-overs cricket. He bats aggressively up front. His specialist area is facing the quick bowling.

"He has been the architect of the attacking type of cricket England's one-day side has been playing."

The rationale behind those querying Strauss's role was partially based on his absence from Twenty20 cricket.

He has long made himself unavailable in the sprint format, because he does not believe he is among this country's best 20-over batsmen, and was watching from afar as Paul Collingwood led England to the ICC World Twenty20 title in the Caribbean last month.

Yet Flower believes Strauss, with whom he has masterminded England's revival in 50-over cricket since last summer, should take credit too for their unheralded Twenty20 impact.

Strauss led England to last year's Champions Trophy semi-finals in South Africa and then a notable ODI series victory over their hosts in the same country.

"In a way, he was the catalyst for the attacking cricket we have been able to play in Twenty20 as well," added Flower.

Strauss controversially sat out Test and ODI assignments in Bangladesh but returned to complete a 4-0 scoreline in back-to-back series over the past two weeks.

That success has naturally pleased Flower, as has the emergence of fast bowler Steve Finn and encouraging signs from two other new recruits – limited-overs specialist Eoin Morgan, and debutant pace bowler Ajmal Shahzad of Yorkshire.

Many are predicting a famous Test career already for 6ft 7ins Finn.

"He has been very impressive," said the coach.

"He has very, very good control for a 21-year-old fast bowler. I think that comes from his action, and also a very sound and grounded personality.

"It is a great start for him, but he also realises that he has great scope for learning and progress."

If Finn lacks anything from the usual pace bowler's template, it is obvious outward aggression.

Flower said: "I think aggressive fast bowlers are very useful, but it is important that your own personality comes through."