Never stopped believing

Of all the England players returning after their CB Series victory, Andrew Strauss is the one senior figure under most pressure. The whole Australian tour brought just two half-centuries and with Michael Vaughan and Kevin Pietersen set to return for the World Cup matches he could be fighting to keep his place. However, his first Sunday Telegraph column since arriving home doesn't dwell much on his personal performances, more on the belief shown by the England side to come back from nowhere and claim the trophy.

The feeling in the dressing room after the second final, where a combination of deadly swing bowling, and weather delays finished the Aussies off, was better than anything I have experienced in the game, barring the Ashes victory in 2005. Months of stress, turmoil, anger and frustration were washed away with those victories and the celebrations that followed. We now go on to the World Cup with our heads high and confidence flowing.