NAPIER - An Andrew Strauss century has helped England to a hefty lead of 350 runs over the Black Caps during the afternoon session on Day 3 of the third cricket test here.
England were 273/3 just before the tea interval, a lead of over 350 runs.
IanBell was the other not out batsman at lunch and he too is nearing three figures.
England resumed today on 91 for two, an overall lead of 176, and sedately extended their advantage for the loss of Kevin Pietersen's wicket.
Pietersen progressed from seven overnight to 34 when Ross Taylor took a smart catch to his right at slip after spinner Daniel Vettori induced an edge.
Pietersen and Strauss added 63 for the third wicket as England made steady progress as they strive to set New Zealand a big fourth innings runchase.
Strauss gave one half chance on 62 when he swept Vettori into Matthew Bell at short leg.
Bell, who was struck in the chest, got picked out again by the left-hander eight runs later when another sweep cracked him on the leg as he took evasive action.
England have assumed control of the test after bundling New Zealand out for 168 yesterday, in reply to the tourists' first innings of 253.
