Strauss keeps it simple

Opener Andrew Strauss said simplicity was the key to his rich run of form in his eight Tests for England.

"I try to keep things as simple as possible, and so far it's worked pretty well for me," Strauss told a news conference.

"Test cricket is a mental test. When I get in the middle I try to have nothing in my head, no technical thoughts.

"I try to clear the brain."

In 16 innings Strauss has scored 810 runs at an average of 57.86, with three centuries.

He scored 126 in the first innings of the first Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth, and guided England to a seven-wicket win on Tuesday with an unbeaten 94 in the second.

"You don't expect to be scoring hundreds left, right and centre early in your career, but fortunately I've been able to contribute in the eight test matches I've played."

England have won all eight of those contests, a national record,

since Strauss made his debut against New Zealand in May. West Indian Eldine Baptiste, Australia's Brett Lee and Thilan Samaraweera of Sri Lanka won their first 10 Tests, and the record of 15 is held by Australian Adam Gilchrist.

"It does feel odd (to have won all eight Tests), but we haven't had it all our own way in those matches," Strauss added.

"We've put in a lot of hard work to get here."

Strauss said the South Africans had fought hard in the first test, adding: "When (Marcus) Trescothick got out first ball in the second innings it gave them a confidence boost, and when we were 11 for two you knew you were in a game of cricket.

"I tried to take no risks, to hit the balls I knew were high percentage shots for me."

Strauss and Graham Thorpe, who scored 31 not out, took England to victory with an unbroken stand of 95.

"When Thorpe got going you could feel the pressure swinging onto the South Africans," Strauss said.

The second Test starts in Durban on Sunday.