Strauss gives England series lead

Andrew Strauss accepted the invitation to be England's hero at Old Trafford © Getty Images

The stage was set for a hero and Andrew Strauss took up the challenge with a superb century as England won the second Test against New Zealand to give them a 1-0 lead going into the third and final Test, which starts at Trent Bridge on June 5.

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Having been set 294 for victory - 63 more than anyone had ever successfully chased at Old Trafford - England, amazingly, made it look easy and won at Old Trafford for the fourth time in the past five Tests there.

All things considered, that is a huge win for England and their confidence is sure to be sky-high going into the final Test. New Zealand let a good situation slip on day three and they will be hard-pressed to pick themselves up for the final Test.

England are 4/6 (1.66) with bet365 to win the third Test, while New Zealand are 5/1 and the draw is just 2/1.

I'll have a full preview of the final Test as we near June 5, and will have updates on all the series markets as soon as the prices are updated.

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.