Strauss leads England to victory

Updated 15.59 Mon May 26 2008
Keywords: Old Trafford, New Zealand, Andrew Strauss

Andrew Strauss hit his 12th Test hundred as England secured a remarkable comeback victory over New Zealand at Old Trafford.

Strauss reached his second three-figure score in three Tests from 178 deliveries to steer Michael Vaughan's men towards their 294-run target and a 1-0 lead in the series.

Strauss reached his second three-figure score in three Tests from 178 deliveries

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

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

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.

England's six-wicket win was their fifth-best run chase in Test history and considerably higher than the previous Manchester record of 231, made against West Indies four years ago.

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