Strauss confident of England revival

Andrew Strauss is confident that his England side can bounce back from Monday's defeat to South Africa and win the second Test.

England went into the series opener as the number one-ranked Test side and in the knowledge that defeat to Graeme Smith's men would see the Proteas usurp them at the top of the rankings. But they were second best in every department and succumbed to defeat by an innings and 12 runs at the Oval. It was a chastening experience for the hosts, whose previous defeat on home soil came against Pakistan back in 2010. England have become masters at playing Test cricket in their own back yard and have not lost a five-day series since Smith's side inflicted a 2-1 defeat four years ago. But they will need to up their game and bounce back at Headingley next week if they are to stand any chance of another home success. And Strauss feels they are more than capable of doing so and has backed his bowlers to hit their straps at Headingley next time out. "I have a great amount of belief in our players, and I am sure we will bounce back next week," he said. "Our bowling attack has huge reserves of confidence. "They have taken 20 wickets pretty much every time they have played for the last two years, and this game doesn't change that for me." Strauss was full of praise for Monday's victors and believes that they showed a ruthless streak throughout the majority of the first Test. "We always knew South Africa were a good side, and they did what good sides do - which is not let you back the game if you make mistakes which is what we did," he added. "You've got to give credit where it is due. "South Africa took their chance in this game. They fought hard to stay in the game on day two - and then did not let us back."