England selector Ashley Giles has warned people not to write Andrew Strauss off after recent criticism aimed at the England captain.

Strauss has failed to score a test century since November 2010 and, with England yet to win a test this year, pressure has been mounting on the 35-year-old.

However, having already led England to consecutive Ashes victories and number one in the world, Giles believes that it would be foolish to write Strauss off.

"Everyone has their moments from the media and as captain to a degree you expect to get it or, as an international batsman if you are not scoring the runs you would like," Giles said.

"For what Andrew Strauss has done as a captain and player, maybe he has earned the right not to get quite as much criticism. Let's stick to the facts. Andrew would admit he would like more runs but let's leave it there for now and let the team get on and do their jobs.

"He's come back before. All I would say is he is a very dangerous man to write off because he is an exceptionally good player and good character. You are risking making yourself look a bit silly if you write him off."

England's second test against Sri Lanka starts tomorrow, and is a match they need to win in order to remain top of the world rankings.