Strauss targets Ashes history

England captain Andrew Strauss (Getty Images)

Andrew Strauss wants to become the first England post-war captain to win four successive Ashes series.

Strauss, 34, insists he will continue playing Test cricket as long as he remains "motivated" and "excited".

Having lifted the Ashes in 2009 and 2011, the batsman wants to lead England at home against Australia in 2013 and on the return trip in 2013-14. "Playing in back-to-back Ashes tours would be a realistic goal," Strauss said. "But I'm not going to say that is definitely what is going to happen. There's a lot of cricket to be played between now and then. We will see where we are in 12 months, then another 12 months and go from there."

Strauss and his players, ranked number one in the world, face Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and South Africa before they can turn their attentions to hosting Australia in 2013.

And Strauss, who has won 89 Test caps, said: "I'm still motivated and excited about the challenges we have got ahead of us.

"As long as I'm motivated and playing well, and feel like there is still space in the side for me, then I want to continue."