By Pranav Soneji

Strauss has impressed Mahmood with his leadership skills

Mahmood picked up six wickets in England's victory over Pakistan at Headingley, including a Test best 4-22.

"As a captain he's relaxed which helps me bowl to my strengths," Mahmood told BBC Sport. "It's good to know that he has every confidence in my abilities.

"Even before I've bowled my first ball I'm not nervous as he has faith in me."

Strauss has enhanced his claim to succeed the injured Michael Vaughan as England captain for the forthcoming Ashes after leading his side to an impressive series victory over Pakistan.

And Mahmood, 24, believes his current captain has the tactical acumen to succeed down under.

"Straussy will have a word with me about my bowling plans," he said.

Kevin Shine has continued the good work of Troy Cooley

"If he agrees with it he'll say, 'Let's go with that' but if he doesn't he'll give me an idea of what he wants. He's always thinking about the next step."

Another key factor in Mahmood's recent renaissance has been the input of fast bowling coach Kevin Shine.

The former Somerset coach joined England's technical staff in May to succeed Troy Cooley, who returned to his native Australia to work with the bowling talents of Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie.

"There was a lot of talk about me not being able to keep the seam of the ball upright, so I have been working on my wrist position with Kevin," said Mahmood.

"He is a really good coach - working together I've learned how to bowl the outswinger.

"I've seen a couple of slow motion replays and the seam looks really upright and pointing towards first slip, as it should do. I'm really pleased with the progress.

"As a bowler, he gives you options. If a certain way works for you, he will help you work on it.

"If it doesn't, he'll say, 'Scrap that and we'll try something else'."