The South African-born left-handed opener impressed England selectors with his domestic form in 2003 when he scored more than 1,500 runs at a stunning average of over 50.
Strauss has showed amazing maturity as Middlesex captain after being thrust into the post when Angus Fraser unexpectedly stepped down two years ago.
He was called up in England’s one-day squad for the first time when the country toured Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in late 2003. Strauss held his place for the One-Day Internationals in West Indies in 2004.
Half-centuries in the last two ODIs in the Caribbean further cemented his case for a Test call-up, and when skipper Michael Vaughan suffered a knee injury he got that chance.
Admired for elegant strokeplay and his ability to accumulate runs without taking risks, Strauss also has the added advantage of being able to keep wicket.