Andrew Strauss is bracing himself for an inevitable slump at some stage of his life as an England batsman, despite having made one of the best starts to any career in Test history.

The Middlesex batsman hit the winning runs in England's record eighth successive Test success - by seven wickets over South Africa at St George's Park on Wednesday to go 1-0 up in the current series.

It continued a staggering success story since 27-year-old Strauss was called up at late notice to replace injured captain Michael Vaughan for the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord's last May.

Strauss has become only the seventh player in world cricket to win his first eight Tests.

He has scored three centuries, including one on his debut and another in the first innings of the Test just completed, and four other half-centuries. He averages 57.

The compact left-hander is level-headed enough to realise there will surely come a time when things do not go quite so well.

''It's never easy when you're in a slump in county cricket and I assume it'll be even worse when you're in Test cricket because the pressure is that much more and the bowling that much better,'' he said.

''The one thing I've always tried to do when I've been out of form is to keep things as simple as possible and not worry too much about whatever technical issues there are. If you do that then you've got half a chance.

''I honestly don't know how I'd react if I went into a slump. But it's a challenge all the great England cricketers, and cricketers in general, have met and got through.

''I'm realistic enough to know I'm going to go through that.''

England will hope that happens later, rather than sooner, as they begin preparations for the second Test at Kingsmead, which starts on Boxing Day, and attempt to become only the fifth side in history to win nine successive Tests.

Strauss and the rest of the England squad met up with their wives, girlfriends and families for Christmas today and will step up their preparations with a full practice at the ground tomorrow, when he will stick to the same simple approach which has reaped such impressive dividends already.

''One of the things I've been trying to do while I've been playing Test cricket is to take it one ball at a time and just play the situation. So far it's worked out pretty well for me,'' he said.

''You never know what's around the corner, but that's the way I'll continue to try to approach it in the future. In county cricket it takes a while to work out what works for you mentally, as well as technically, and the years I've played in county cricket have been very good for me just realising exactly what works for me.

''Anyone will tell you that Test cricket is a mental game more than anything. There are loads of guys with differing technique and differing ways of scoring runs, it's just a question of trying to get yourself mentally right.

''Sometimes it's really hard work, especially when you're not hitting the ball that well and you're coming up against good bowlers. It's definitely a test, and that's why they call it Test cricket.

Strauss' rapid rise to become an established member of the England set-up is set to bring him into direct conflict with former Middlesex team-mate Justin Langer, who is expected to open for Australia in next summer's eagerly-awaited Ashes series.

"Justin was a great role model; he worked really hard with the young players when he didn't necessarily have to as a Test player already. He's made the best of what he's got, and that's all you can ask for really.

"I regard it as a privilege to have played with him.''

South Africa have summoned uncapped seamer Charl Langeveldt and recalled experienced opener Herschelle Gibbs to boost their hopes of bouncing back in the second Test.

The selectors acted quickly following their first-Test defeat and named a 14-man squad for the Christmas and new year Tests at Kingsmead and Cape Town.

Gibbs returns to the squad for the first time since facing Sri Lanka this year, after choosing to miss the recent tour of India and then suffering a finger injury.

His return was expected, but Langeveldt's call-up was less predictable, even though he claimed a seven-wicket haul against England for South Africa A in Potchefstroom in the build-up to the first Test.

His inclusion and the return to fitness of Jacques Kallis, who was unable to bowl during the opening Test because of an ankle injury, has prompted the selectors to drop all-rounder Zander de Bruyn from the squad.

Gibbs' return may also increase the possibility of young wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile, who bats low down the order, losing his place and South Africa asking opener AB de Villiers to drop down the line-up and take the gloves