Agence France Presse

London, May 24:

England opener Andrew Strauss rounded off what he has described as a dream year by being named player of the year on Monday. The 28-year-old South African-born Middlesex batsman has scored five centuries since making his debut last summer. “It has gone far better than I ever thought it would,” said Strauss, who was man of the series in South Africa last winter after making 656 runs, including three centuries. “It’s a great honour. The key was getting runs early on and proving to myself I could play at that level.” Strauss, though, has been in poor form for his county since the start of the season. Strauss’ arrival in the England team also produced their record winning-streak as they went on to win their next eight matches. “It is easier to perform in a successful side,” he said. “You can afford to go

out and be positive about the way you play and back your gameplan. We have all fed off each other over the past year.”