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England captain Andrew Strauss has backed his side to bounce back and learn lessons quickly from their innings defeat by South Africa in the first Test match.
With the world number one Test ranking on the line Strauss' men now need to win the second and third Tests to remain at thehead of the pile, with the Proteas closing in on the top spot.
An innings and 12-run defeat at The Oval was comprehensive enough to spark questions about England's tactics and selection, but Strauss was defiant in the defence of his side.
He admitted: "We'll have some regrets. We got ourselves a nice little foundation on day one and we weren't able to go and get on our own big score.
"There's a lot of frustration, but there are lessons to be learned and we'll learn them before next week."
Strauss was especially resolute in the support of his bowling attack, who took only two wickets as the tourists racked up 637-2 declared at The Oval.
He added: "I think we've got an outstanding bowling attack...I'd still back our bowling attack to take 20 wickets on most wickets - not this one unfortunately.
"Those guys will be determined to show more of themselves in the next Test match and I'm sure they will do."
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