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Strauss won't be baited by Smith

There was no way Andrew Strauss was going to reveal England's plans for the second Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, but an unchanged line-up is an increasing possibility.

Kevin Pietersen top scored for England in the first Test  •  PA Photos

Kevin Pietersen top scored for England in the first Test  •  PA Photos

There was no way Andrew Strauss was going to get into the festive spirit and reveal any of England's plans ahead of the second Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, but with an uncertain forecast for the first couple of days - Durban was overcast and drizzly on Christmas Eve - an unchanged line-up is an increasing possibility.
England's late collapse at Centurion has left the home side in bullish mood, especially as they were without the injured Dale Steyn, and the South African camp has not been shy in pointing out where the visitors' problems exist. Particular reference has been made to the batting line-up, but Strauss is a captain who refuses to respond to opposition taunts - even during pantomime season.
"I'm not sure he's [Graeme Smith] taken part in any of our meetings," Strauss said. "We'll want to have a good look at conditions before we decide on the balance of our side. You still take the same principle into every Test match - which is going to be the best side to allow you to win?"
The key debate revolves around whether to stick with six specialist batsmen and Matt Prior at No. 7, especially after Ian Bell's limp contribution of seven runs in the first Test. "In some ways, it was important we had six batsmen at Centurion. But obviously it put some pressure on our bowlers as well," Strauss said. "We're very mindful of picking the right side for the conditions here.
"Sometimes you're looking into the crystal ball a little bit, because you're not entirely sure how the wicket is going to play and what conditions will be later on in the match. We've got three options available to us. We hope we'll be in a position by tomorrow afternoon to be pretty clear in our own heads but we certainly want to see how the wicket is looking closer to the game."
There are no injury concerns among England's bowlers, despite their heavy workload at Centurion, but the stifling humidity in Durban means three quick bowlers will be pushed to the limit and would leave Graeme Swann needing to bowl plenty of overs. An unchanged side would also offer a reprieve for Bell, but he isn't the only batsman feeling the heat.
Alastair Cook's first Test since remodelling his technique with guidance from his mentor Graham Gooch wasn't a success with scores of 15 and 12. He hasn't scored a Test half-century since the 94 he made in the first innings against Australia, at Lord's, and has made just two hundreds in the last two years.
"I'm happy with the way he's playing and with some of the adjustments he's made," Strauss said. "But in cricket, there are times when it's tough. I've been through it and just about every member of our batting unit has been through it at one stage or another.
"I know Alastair has the character and temperament to come through it. That's the most important thing. Ultimately it boils down to how much you're willing to guts it out and I know Alastair will do that."
Cook's technique will be given another stern working over if, as expected, the overhead conditions assist swing bowling. It is looking increasingly as though he will also have to battle a fit-again Steyn as South Africa's attack closes in on full strength.
"At Centurion there was obviously the variable bounce that the new ball brought. Here, it might just be the swing. Kookaburra balls can swing for 25 overs maybe, so it is still going to be fairly new-ball orientated.
"That's usually the case in most countries that play with a Kookaburra ball. So we openers have an important job to do and clearly we've got to hit the ground running when we bowl as well. The Durban wicket is one that does offer the bowlers something, and there's a bit more bounce in it than other wickets."
However, it isn't all doom and gloom in England's batting order. Kevin Pietersen's second-innings 81 was his most confident Test innings since the century he made against West Indies in Trinidad back in March, and if he needs extra motivation the prospect of success where he grew up should be more than enough.
"I think his life has moved on a long way from when he was here as a youngster," Strauss said. "He might have a little bit more of a point to prove as he often does in South Africa. The way he batted in Centurion, I'm quite confident he's got something special for us this week."
If the rain stays away and Pietersen continues to build on his return to form this could become a Christmas to remember for Strauss.

Andrew McGlashan is assistant editor of Cricinfo