England team will not fall into the same Ashes trap that snared Michael Vaughan's men four years ago, claims current skipper Andrew Strauss.
Recalling the Ashes glory over Australia in 2005, which was celebrated long and hard for weeks, Strauss said that it was followed by a massive fall from grace in which Vaughan's side lost 11 Tests out of 14 away from home and, rather than fulfil their dream of being the world's No.1 side they dropped down the ranks like a brick.
"It's been a totally different scenario this time.The celebrations went on for some time in 2005, but this year we went straight to Ireland to carry on playing. We've also had the Champions Trophy so it's been non-stop cricket," The Mirror quoted Strauss, as saying.
Strauss and coach Andy Flower showed just how tough they intend to be with their selection by omitting Steve Harmison and Ravi Bopara from their squad.
Harmison talked himself out of the tour with his demands, while Bopara lost the batting plot in the Ashes.
They called up one-day specialist Luke Wright to try to prove he has a Test future while giving a fresh chance to Durham medium pacer Liam Plunkett, dumped by Duncan Fletcher.
Strauss added: "We realise how difficult a place South Africa is to get a series win. Going there is taking it a step further than the Ashes.But it's impossible not to be optimistic and excited."
