Strauss hails England team ethic

Strauss admits it is hard to avoid Ashes fever

Opener Andrew Strauss says a spirit of camaraderie has helped England gain the upper hand in the Ashes series.

England need to draw the final Test, beginning on Thursday, to win the trophy for first time since 1987.

"It makes a massive difference knowing your team-mates well, knowing what makes them tick, being around them when they're up and down," said Strauss.

"When times get tough in the middle you're playing with your mates and that makes everyone strive that bit harder."

England have won 16 of their last 22 matches and captain Michael Vaughan said that success has created more competitiveness between the players.

"It has certainly helped with central contracts, having consistent players around on a regular basis," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"But winning creates an atmosphere of people wanting to get involved in the side, where people don't want to lose their place in the side.

"They put in those hard yards away from the game and during the game because they don't want to lose their spot."

Down my street there are kids with bat and ball - that just shows how important it is for the game of cricket Andrew Strauss

Strauss and Vaughan spent Monday playing golf at Sunningdale but both men admitted it has been hard to escape Ashes fever.

"The level of interest and anticipation throughout the country has been great for us. It's really refreshing and it's obviously even better for the game of cricket," said Strauss.

"Down my street there are kids with bat and ball - that just shows how important it is for the game of cricket.

"If these guys continue playing next season that's going to be a great fillip for the sport."

Strauss said he hoped Aussie bowler Glenn McGrath would be fit, adding: "It's been one of the greatest series of all time and it would be a shame for it to finish on a sour note.

"You can't write this Australian side off.

"I'm sure they'll be desperate to win this game and salvage some pride but it's certainly better going into a game like this feeling confident than being in their position."