England batting coach Graham Gooch believes that Andrew Strauss remains the "best man" to lead England following recent criticism of the captain.

The 35-year-old, who has not scored a century in Test cricket for two years, has come under fire for struggling at the crease in England's recent matches.

"As far as I am concerned, Andrew Strauss is the best man to captain England at the moment and also he is one of the two best opening batsmen in our country along with Alastair Cook," Gooch told Sky Sports News.

"I have every confidence in him, I see the passion and commitment in him every day trying to improve his game.

"Yes he has been short of runs, he is having a lean time in Test matches, but he had a hundred at the SSC in the warm-up game so he has runs under his belt and you have to take it on the chin when things don't go well."

Strauss will have the chance to lead his side to their first Test victory of the series against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.