Strauss signs new deal with Middlesex

London:

England captain Andrew Strauss signed a two-year contract extension with Middlesex.

Strauss agreed the deal just one day before he will fly out to Australia to lead England's bid to win an Ashes series there for the first time since 1986-87.

The opening batsman has been at Middlesex since 1997 and the county's cricket director Angus Fraser was happy to retain his services, even though he is often absent on England duty.

"Naturally, we are delighted that Andrew has chosen to remain at Middlesex," Fraser said.

"We expect Andrew's involvement with Middlesex over the next couple of years to be minimal -- he has bigger fish to fry with England -- but when he is available to play for us he is a great person to have around.

"His presence is extremely reassuring and he sets a superb example to all our young cricketers."