The bitter circumstances of Kevin Pietersen's step-down from captaincy notwithstanding, newly-appointed England skipper Andrew Strauss says he remains a "positive" person focussed on doing well with the bat.
"Kevin was his normal self when we met up. Kevin hasn't shown a negative side since the day I met him and I don't expect that to start now. He's a very positive person and doesn't dwell on what happened in the past," Strauss told reporters on Tuesday.
Strauss took over as captain after Pietersen and coach Peter Moores were both sacked following a public fallout. The new captain called on his team-mates to take responsibility during the upcoming tour of the Caribbean.
"We want to see players who are able to think on their feet out in the middle, take responsibility for the situation, don't leave it for someone else," Strauss said.
"The only way we can do that is by giving them responsibility off the pitch as well as on it. I am looking for my players to start thinking about what they need to do in terms of preparation," he added.
Although England will head to West Indies for the 11-week tour without a head coach with only former Zimbabwe wicket-keeper batsman Andy Flower who was Moores' deputy leading the support staff, Strauss feels the players should take the onus in such a situation.
"I suppose the coaches will play a bit more of an advisory-type role. They will be consultants. It's vitally important that players are challenged to think for themselves. The more we do that, the more people will do the right things," said the 31-year-old left-hander.
{{/usCountry}}"I suppose the coaches will play a bit more of an advisory-type role. They will be consultants. It's vitally important that players are challenged to think for themselves. The more we do that, the more people will do the right things," said the 31-year-old left-hander.
{{/usCountry}}