| Andrew Strauss is keeping the faith that his world-beating England team have the ability and resilience to battle back against South Africa. It would be understandable if the confidence of England's much-vaunted bowling attack, in particular, was sapped after being dismissed to all parts of the Kia Oval by triple-centurion Hashim Amla and others. But after England had failed to mount a successful rearguard on the final day of the first Investec Test, eventually losing by an innings and 12 runs, the captain made it clear he does not doubt them. "I have a great amount of belief in our players, and I am sure we will bounce back next week," he said, looking forward to the second match of three at Headingley. "Our bowling attack has huge reserves of confidence. "They have taken 20 wickets pretty much every time they have played for the last two years, and this game doesn't change that for me." Strauss is thankful, after England mustered just two wickets this time - for the small matter of 637 runs in 189 overs - that there are no back-to-back Tests in the remainder of this summer. "I think one of the advantages of having a bit of time before next Test is to take stock and let things settle," he added. "That is always a wise thing to do anyway. "It is surprising we lost. "We always knew South Africa were a good side, and they did what good sides do - which is not let you back the game if you make mistakes which is what we did. "You've got to give credit where it is due. "South Africa took their chance in this game. They fought hard to stay in the game on day two - and then did not let us back. "When you are bowling at a guy with 250 and a guy with a hundred, it is hard work to the bowlers." Under Strauss, England have proven before that they have it in them to come back not just from a defeat but from a trouncing. He confirmed too that, contrary to some whispers over the past two days, none of his bowlers is carrying an injury that could affect readiness for the next Test. "I have great belief in our bowling attack," said the England captain. "They have shown it time and again over the years, and one game doesn't change it. "They are all fine - a bit weary having spent two days in the field, but no causes for alarm at this stage." Strauss' opposite number Graeme Smith flew to Cape Town on Monday night to attend the birth of his first child. He is due to return early next week, and will rejoin a team still intent on self-improvement under the guidance of coach Gary Kirsten. The latter, a former team-mate of Smith's, said: "I think we've got a long way to go. "We've put our peg in the ground - we want to become the best cricket team in the world and we know what we need to do to be able to achieve that. "This is just one part of the process. "We think that we can go out and play cricket like that on a regular basis, rather than that being a one-off Test match. "I'm not saying we'll be 650 for two again, but we feel that we can put in really good performances on a daily basis." |