Andrew Strauss after thumping Test series win against Bangladesh had to defend his right to continue leading his country in ODI's too.

Strauss' team saw off all 10 Bangladesh batsmen twice over in back-to-back sessions of the second npower Test at Old Trafford, an extraordinary if not unique feat, to complete victory well inside three days by an innings and 80 runs.

Yet the captain, whose last ODI deed was to lead England to a notable 2-1 success in South Africa, is having to contend with unexpected speculation about his limited-overs role.

England's next assignment is against Scotland in Edinburgh, followed by the NatWest Series of five ODIs against Australia - starting on June 22.

Strauss appeared baffled at the suggestion his position either at the top of the order, or in charge of the team, may be in doubt.

"Everyone has been very supportive so far," he said.

"One of the great challenges of being captain is to make sure you are worth your spot in the side."

The uncertainty appears to have emanated from a radio interview with national selector Geoff Miller, in which a failure to confirm Strauss as the inked-in captain against Australia - the squad will be named on Thursday - has been interpreted by some as equivocation.

Paul Collingwood, who sat out the win over Bangladesh because of a shoulder injury, led England to the ICC World Twenty20 silverware last month.

But the former ODI captain has made it clear he has no ambition to take the reins again in 50-over matches.

Strauss, who has long ruled himself out of Twenty20s because he does not see himself as one of England's best batsmen in that format, added: "I have had a reasonable amount of success in one-day cricket over the last 12 months - but I should and can play better. That is going to be the challenge for me.

"We have had some preliminary chats about the one-day squad. Nothing is decided at this point."

Yet asked specifically if he hopes to be captain next year's World Cup, he replied: "Absolutely."

It is clear he is planning to lead the team in the forthcoming series against Australia too, unless he is told different.

"The Twenty20 team has obviously moved on," said Strauss, having watched from afar while Craig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb set the tone at the top of the order in the West Indies - where England appeared ahead of the game with bat and ball.

"We have made some quite significant changes and improvements in the 50-over game over the last nine months or so.

"Clearly we will have the likes of Paul Collingwood back, which is going to be a massive addition to the squad. I am excited about having him back.

"It will be great to sit down and talk about some of the things they are doing in the Twenty20 game and see whether that is transferable to the 50-over game.

"I am excited about one-day cricket in general. I think we have started to play the style of cricket which is so important if you want to win consistently away from home.

"There is no plan to change that. We are going to continue with that, and it would be wrong not to."

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