Coach Andy Flower believes that Andrew Strauss is the right man to skipper England.

Opening batsman Strauss saw his side lose their status as the world's number one Test side yesterday afternoon thanks to a 2-0 series defeat to South Africa.

Discussing that loss to the Proteas, Flower said that the ongoing saga regarding Kevin Pietersen's international was a contributing factor to the under-par performance.

As a result, Flower has tipped Strauss to recover from the disappointment.

"I think the last couple of weeks have been particularly draining on him. [The Pietersen issue] has certainly not helped and it's been a very unwelcome distraction during a very high profile and brilliant Test series," Flower told BBC Sport.

"He's tired after a hard-fought series. But he will re-energise. We know he's an excellent leader and can certainly take the Test team forward."

Strauss was appointed England captain in January 2009.