Strauss turns attention to Aussies

England must deliver a pre-Ashes blow to retain their hopes of winning the ICC Champions Trophy - and Andrew Strauss views Australia as an ideal opponent in a must-win match.

Defeat to hosts India on Monday, which had a significantly detrimental effect on the team's run-rate, means England's equation is straightforward: two wins from the remaining couple of Group A games.

"They are not the worst side to play in this situation because you realise you have to go out, be positive and take them on," said Strauss, of Ricky Ponting's world champions. "That puts you in a pretty good frame of mind right from the word go. It might be a good thing to be playing a really good side rather than a mid-table side."

Saturday's contest at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium takes on extra significance, coming as it does a month shy of England's defence of the Ashes opening Down Under.

Intriguingly, England's record against Australia in one-day cricket, starting with the defeat over them in the semi-final of the 2004 Champions Trophy, is better than against any other of the world's top eight teams.

Of the seven completed matches, three have finished in England victories while the NatWest Series final at Lord's last summer was tied.

"That game at Edgbaston was important to us, we hadn't beaten them for a long time so we needed to get back on track and we have had a fair share of success over Australia over the last couple of years," added Strauss. "We have a lot of latent confidence there.

"But they are a top side and as against any top side if you don't play your best you will get beaten.

"I am not sure it will have too much significance for what is ahead because it is a different format for starters and regardless of what happens we are going to arrive in Australia very buoyant about our Ashes chances.

"But, having said that, if we win that might give us a little bit more confidence."