The deal will extend Strauss's involvement with Middlesex to 16 years

England captain Andrew Strauss has signed a two-year contract extension with Middlesex as he prepares for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.

"We are delighted that Andrew has chosen to remain at Middlesex," the club's managing director of cricket Angus Fraser said.

"When he is available to play for us he is a great person to have around," the former England seam bowler added.

Strauss, 33, made his first appearance for Middlesex in 1997.

Although Fraser said that the batsman's role had changed since his involvement with England, he added he is still a valuable member of the Lord's set-up.

"We expect Andrew's involvement with Middlesex over the next couple of years to be minimal - he has bigger fish to fry with England," Fraser said.

"His presence is extremely reassuring and he sets a superb example to all our young cricketers."

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Strauss scored 161 in the second Test of the 2009 Ashes series, helping England to their first win over Australia at Lord's since 1934 and a series win. He also notched two centuries in England's 2-1 Ashes series win in 2005.

And Fraser is hopeful Strauss will once again captain England to victory this winter.

"The club takes great pride in producing England cricketers and everyone at Middlesex hopes that Andrew follows in the footsteps of fellow Middlesex and England captains Mike Gatting and Mike Brearley in winning an Ashes series in Australia," he said.

"It would be a fantastic hat-trick for the club."

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