Strauss targets trophies

Andrew Strauss is keen to see Middlesex win a trophy this summer © Getty Images

Andrew Strauss insists Middlesex have their sights set on winning some silverware this season – whatever the competition.

Middlesex missed out on promotion from the Second Division of the LV County Championship by just one place last year, although victory in the NatWest Pro40 play-off secured their return to the top flight in the one-day competition.

But a change of coach midway through the season – Toby Radford replaced Richard Pybus – was more typical of a disjointed campaign at Lord’s.

“It was a tough season for a lot of us last season because we didn't play as well as we could have done and there was a lot of instability,” said Strauss.

“That has gone now. We are hopeful this will be our year.

“Promotion from the four-day competition is important but I have been playing for Middlesex for 10 or 11 years and we haven't got close to a Lord's final, so why shouldn't we aim for one of those and do well in the first division of the one-day competition?

“I don't think we have to look solely at four-day cricket.”

Strauss, who is expected to miss large chunks of the domestic season due to England commitments, is relishing the prospect of working under Radford and captain Ed Smith.

He added: "Toby is incredibly enthusiastic. He is a young and ambitious coach, which is a good thing to have with a young side.

"I am looking forward to seeing what he can do. Ed Smith is looking to use last season as a launchpad for better things.”