Andrew Strauss said ignoring the criticism over his form and selection in New Zealand helped him to make his first Test century for over 18 months.

Strauss hit an unbeaten 173 as England took the 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 told BBC Sport.

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


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Strauss came to the crease after skipper Michael Vaughan was dismissed late 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 impressive 337-ball knock.

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

"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 Kevin Pietersen's dismissal at the hands of Daniel Vettori, Strauss was joined by Ian Bell.

The pair put on 187 for the fourth wicket before Bell also fell to Vettori.

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

"It's obviously nice to be in this position," said Bell. "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.

"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.