Strauss gives England series lead

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.

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.