England pondering Ashes captaincy

Strauss (right) has won two of three Tests in charge

Coach Duncan Fletcher has hinted England may rethink their decision to declare Andrew Flintoff as their Ashes captain after Andrew Strauss' success.

Flintoff, out with an ankle injury, was given the job before Strauss won two out of three Tests against Pakistan.

"We have to keep it in house amongst the selectors - every time we meet we debate positions," said Fletcher.

"We have spoken about Freddie being a natural leader in Australia and we will have to talk more when the time comes."

It wasn't easy for him going through that loss to Sri Lanka but he is a really strong character Fletcher on Strauss

Flintoff is not likely to regain fitness until the middle of October.

With the first Test against Australia beginning on 23 November, England would have to be certain of his fitness for the entire five-match series to name him as captain.

His tendency to rely heavily on his own bowling when leading the side will also be a worry if there remain questions over his injury.

Strauss is expected to be confirmed as skipper for the one-day series against Pakistan and October's one-day ICC Champions Trophy.

The opening batsman suffered a 5-0 one-day series defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka after taking over at the helm and was criticised for his declaration in the drawn first Test against Pakistan.

TMS MESSAGEBOARD VIEW Flintoff overbowls himself when wickets aren't coming, whereas Strauss knows he has to rely on the team rather than just himself naylorsbrownie Message board: Have your say

But an injury-ravaged side has fought back to seal their first series victory since last summer and replace Pakistan as the second-ranked Test side in the world.

As well as leading the side, Strauss has stepped up with centuries under pressure at Lord's and in this week's victory at Headingley.

"Andrew has captained very well in the sense that he has started with a new side," said Fletcher.

"It wasn't easy for him going through that loss to Sri Lanka but he is a really strong character and nothing has highlighted that more than the fact that being captain hasn't really affected him.

"Secondly he has got hundreds in the second innings twice against Pakistan, which is the hardest time to get hundreds."