Andrew Strauss: England's Ashes-Winning Left-Handed Opener
Andrew Strauss cricket career — his role in England's 2005 and 2010-11 Ashes victories, 21 Test centuries, captaincy record, and later role as Director of Cricket.
Who Is Andrew Strauss?
Sir Andrew Strauss is a former England left-handed opening batter who scored 7,037 Test runs in 100 Tests at an average of 40.91, including 21 centuries. He captained England in 50 Tests with a 24-win record and was central to England's most successful era of Test cricket — the 2005 Ashes win under Michael Vaughan and the 2010-11 Ashes whitewash which he captained himself. After retiring, he became England's Director of Cricket in 2015.
The 2005 Ashes: A Famous Debut at Lord's
Strauss famously scored a century on his Test debut at Lord's against South Africa in 2003 — an innings that announced his Test career in the most emphatic way. He then played a central role in the 2005 Ashes, scoring centuries at home when England's opening pair was put under intense pressure by Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. His ability to stay organised against world-class bowling made him an ideal partner for the more aggressive Trescothick at the top of the order.
The 2010-11 Ashes: Captaining to Whitewash
Strauss's finest hour as captain came in Australia in 2010-11, when England won 3-1 — Australia's worst Ashes defeat in a quarter century. His leadership style was calm and methodical: empowering Anderson and Broad to bowl long spells, trusting Cook and Pietersen's batting form, and maintaining team cohesion through the unusual stresses of a long Australian tour. His own batting contribution was modest, but his captaincy was exemplary.
Post-Cricket Role
After retiring in 2012, Strauss worked in broadcasting before becoming England's Director of Cricket in 2015 — a role in which he appointed Trevor Bayliss as coach and oversaw England's rise to number one in the ODI rankings by 2018. He resigned in 2018 following the Kevin Pietersen controversy resurfacing and later returned to cricket administration with the ECB in a broader role.
Frequently asked questions
How many Test runs did Strauss score?
7,037 runs in 100 Tests at an average of 40.91, with 21 centuries.
What is Andrew Strauss's biggest career achievement?
Captaining England to the 2010-11 Ashes series win in Australia — their first Test series win in Australia since 1986-87 — is considered his greatest achievement.