Centurions Strauss, Bell put England in command |
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Monday March 24, 09:00 AM
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By Greg Stutchbury
NAPIER, New Zealand (Reuters) - England's Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell scored centuries on Monday to all but end New Zealand's chances of winning the deciding third test.
Strauss, who had not scored a hundred in 30 previous test innings, was on 114 at tea on the third day with Bell on 106 and the touring side on 302 for three, an overall lead of 387 runs.
Strauss, recalled for the series after being dropped last year, brought up his 11th test century with a cover drive off Chris Martin for his 16th boundary.
The 31-year-old punched the air in delight, waved his bat furiously towards his team mates and signalled towards the group of England players' wives when he achieved the milestone.
His last test century was the 116 he scored against Pakistan in Leeds in August 2006.
Bell, the more aggressive after lunch after he had resumed on just 18, brought up his seventh test century with a mistimed hook down to fine leg for his 16th boundary.
The 25-year-old also hit two sixes straight down the ground at McLean Park in his 150-ball century.
CLOUDLESS CONDITIONS
The pair did not give a chance to New Zealand's attack, who toiled in warm temperatures and cloudless conditions, though Matthew Bell was struck by two full-blooded shots from Strauss while fielding at bat-pad.
Kevin Pietersen, who scored 129 in England's first innings, was the only wicket to fall on Monday when Ross Taylor produced a fine reflex catch at first slip off Daniel Vettori to dismiss him for 34, which included four fours and one six.
Taylor was fielding at first slip because former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was unable to take the field after he succumbed to a stomach virus. Fleming returned after lunch.
Michael Vaughan (four) and Alastair Cook (37) were both dismissed on Sunday.
England had established a first-innings lead of 85 after Ryan Sidebottom ripped through New Zealand's batting lineup with career-best figures of seven for 47 on Sunday.
New Zealand won the first test by 189 runs and England the second by 126 runs.
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