Strauss stands test of time

Andrew Strauss shows his relief after ending a barren run with the bat in fine style

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For a man who did not make his Test debut until the age of 27, you would think Andrew Strauss was used to waiting.

But a sequence of 30 Test innings without a century would have tested the patience of even the most philosophical soul, and Strauss’ impassioned celebrations said more about what his hundred meant to him than any number of words at the close-of-play press conference.

Strauss went on to record his highest Test score and the best at this ground; he left the field at the end of the third day in Napier with 173 runs to his name, the importance of which extended well beyond this game.

Not only did he help lift England into a position from which they are overwhelming favourites to win the match, and with it the series, but he released the pressure that had grown steadily during a barren sequence stretching back to August 2006.

That drought included the first two Tests of this series, with Strauss’ failure to pass 50 causing questions to be raised over the decision to recall him after he was dropped for the tour of Sri Lanka before Christmas.

However, in batting throughout a run-laden day at McLean Park, he justified the selectors’ decision in emphatic fashion while abruptly ending any debate over his place in an England side that will return home later this week with, at worst, a share of the series.

At the easternmost Test ground in the world, New Zealand’s hopes of victory went decidedly west in the space of 24 hours.

Strauss drives Chris Martin for four to go to three figures

If Ryan Sidebottom was responsible for the remarkable turnaround on the second day, Strauss helped confirm England’s superiority during a thrilling fourth-wicket stand of 187 in 50 overs with Ian Bell.

Bell ended a dry patch of his own by reaching three figures for the first time in 23 innings - he eventually fell for 110 - though you would never have known it judging by the freedom with which he batted.

Strauss’ contribution was significantly more measured. He ensured there were none of the early England mishaps which blighted the first two days during a morning session that saw only one wicket fall.

Refusing to be drawn into any strokes that may have aroused the interest of the waiting slips and gully, Strauss opted instead to accumulate off his legs.

Though he expressed himself more after Bell’s arrival - his favourite cut shot was given the occasional airing - he was content to play second fiddle to Bell, whose innings was as fluent as any in this series and would have been afforded much more praise had it not been for Strauss’ heroic effort.

The man of the moment leaves the field with 173 to his name

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Bell will not begrudge his colleague the limelight, especially given the pressure he was under to perform in his final innings of a hitherto disappointing tour.

Despite that, he showed few signs of nerves, even in the supposedly nervous nineties. He cut Jeetan Patel powerfully through point to go to 97, and made light of New Zealand taking the second new ball and then an untimely drinks break to reach three figures - for the 11th time in his Test career - courtesy of a flashing cover drive off Chris Martin.

No doubt mindful of his struggles in the last year and a half, Strauss showed no sign of giving his wicket away.

He continued to harvest runs with ease, going past his previous Test-best of 147 - against South Africa at the Wanderers three years ago - before usurping Hamish Marshall’s 160 against Sri Lanka in 2005 as the highest Test score on this ground.

He will resume on the fourth day with a maiden first-class double hundred in sight, which may, in normal circumstances, cause a few anxious moments overnight.

Given that Strauss had waited so long for his long-overdue hundred here, a few hours in anticipation of another are unlikely to worry him too much.