Strauss hundred answers doubters

Strauss's century should make his immediate Test future safe

Andrew Strauss said he was able to make his first Test century since July 2006 by ignoring the criticism over his form and selection in New Zealand.

Strauss hit an unbeaten 173 to ram home England's advantage on day three of the decisive third Test in Napier.

"There's a lot of clutter flying around but if you start thinking, 'this might happen if I don't get some runs' not much will happen for you," he said.

"I knew it was a flat wicket and had to make sure not to do anything stupid."

Interview: England's Andrew Strauss

Strauss came to the crease when skipper Michael Vaughan was dismissed after tea on day two and will continue his innings on day four unless Vaughan opts to declare overnight.

The Middlesex left-hander has so far hit 25 fours in his 337-ball knock which, although not his most fluent, is likely go some way to convincing the selectors he is returning to form after being dropped for the 2007 tour to Sri Lanka.

Upon bringing up his first ton in 31 innings with a four off Daniel Vettori, Strauss entered into a passionate celebration.

606: DEBATE The critics were beginning to round on Strauss with increasing venom David O, BBC Sport

"There was a fair amount of relief but more than anything it was happiness," he told BBC Sport.

"When I got left out of the side before the Sri Lanka series I thought I would try to just play and not worry too much about what might happen."

After Daniel Vettori's dismissal of Kevin Pietersen, Strauss was joined by Ian Bell and the pair put on 187 for the fourth wicket before Bell also fell to Vettori.

The 25-year-old was in stunning form and his 110 went a long way to securing England's 501-run lead, as they closed on 416-5.

"It's obviously nice to be in this position. We didn't see us being in this position on day one, but we're really chuffed for Strauss to be 173 not out at the end of the day," said Bell.

"It was nice for me to get three figures for the team, who have copped a bit of flak in the batting department, but we've got a 500-run lead and have four centuries in the series as a team.

Speaking of the benign McLean Park wicket, Bell added: "Hopefully as it gets a bit slower and drier, reverse swing might come into the game.

"It would be nice to smack a few in the morning, put them out of the game and still have a long time to bowl at New Zealand."