England director of cricket Andrew Strauss has insisted that Alastair Cook has his full backing as captain.
The 30-year-old has come under fire following a poor 18 months for the national side, which has included the decline in Cook's form, a 5-0 whitewash at the hands of Australia in the last Ashes series and a poor showing at the Cricket World Cup.
However, Strauss believes that his former teammate is still the right man for the job.
"Alastair Cook has my full backing to lead the side into the Ashes this summer," Strauss told Sky Sports News.
"He has had a brutally tough last 18 months, with his own form and one-day captaincy. He turned that round in the West Indies. I think the team needs his leadership and I think he will do an excellent job this summer.
"He is not going to be captain England forever but I am very happy with him in charge this summer."
Cook has been captain since Strauss retired from cricket in August 2012.
Steven Toplis
