Strauss Anticipates Major Battle

Andrew Strauss is relishing the chance to renew his acquaintance with Morne Morkel in his 50th Test next week - despite his failure against South Africa's emerging pace spearhead on Saturday.

Morkel, in whom Strauss has already detected "Harmison-like" qualities, needed just six deliveries to see off the England opener in a Middlesex total of 311 for five in reply to 359 for five declared on day two at Uxbridge.

In the absence of a major contribution from their England opener, the hosts were indebted to Eoin Morgan's unbeaten 109 - a maiden first-class hundred for his county - and Dawid Malan (67), in a match which seems sure to end in a stalemate tomorrow.

Strauss had appeared set to win round one of the summer against South Africa's much-touted pace attack, until first change Morkel's extra pace and bounce had him edging behind down the leg-side.

Strauss had seen enough to conclude Morkel and colleagues such as Dale Steyn are sure serve up plenty of pace in the forthcoming four-Test series - a prospect he believes may favour England.

"They are one of the stronger attacks in world cricket," South Africa-born Strauss told Sky Sports News.

"A lot of our batsmen actually prefer a little bit more pace on the ball.

"Certainly Michael Vaughan always plays well against quick bowling - and I think Cookie [Alastair Cook] is very good against quick bowling."

Strauss concedes the tourists' attack are sure to provide a stern test - although he is confident there will be some leeway for the home batsmen too.

"If it is very quick and accurate and it's swinging, it is going to be hard work," he predicts.

"But we hope there will be more scoring opportunities as well."

While Strauss is excited about a series he expects to be keenly contested, South Africa coach Mickey Arthur is optimistic that his team are shaping up well for the start of the first Test.

"Our bowling has definitely been up a notch here from [South Africa's opening tour match at] Taunton," he said.

"(Makhaya) Ntini and Morkel are in a 'better place' than they were at Taunton.

"We are confident with where we are at and believe we are getting enough out of this match."