Strauss orchestrates England win

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The Middlesex left-hander's Test career appeared to have come to a shuddering halt when he was dropped for last year's tour to Sri Lanka after going 26 innings without a century.

But after he received a reprieve for the tour to New Zealand, Strauss has relished his new opportunity and hit a determined but vital 106 to help England secure a six-wicket victory in the second npower Test.

Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood, on his 32nd birthday, guided the team home after Strauss and Kevin Pietersen (42) fell in quick succession after lunch.

It was Strauss' second century in his last four innings and since he reverted back to opening - he batted at three in New Zealand - he is yet to score lower than 60.

This innings was perhaps his most crucial as he provided the mainstay of the England innings as they attempted to eclipse the previous highest successful fourth-innings run chase of 231 for three recorded against West Indies in 2004.

Strauss was composed throughout as England battled through another day of strong winds and negotiated the guile of left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori to complete their triumph before tea.

Just 24 hours earlier the chance of victory appeared gone after New Zealand secured a 179-run lead on first innings.

But Monty Panesar starred as New Zealand were shot out for 114 and top-order partnerships proved key.

The victory extends England's unbeaten record at Old Trafford to six matches.