England dance a Strauss waltz

Andrew Strauss left his greatest admirers open-mouthed with delight after his fourth century in nine Tests.

Strauss returned to Kingsmead today with an unbeaten 132 against South Africa following an opening stand of 273 with Marcus Trescothick as England hit back to establish a lead of 88 by reaching 281 for one second time around.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney described Strauss's golden start to international cricket as "almost unbelievable", while Mike Gatting, an Ashes-winning captain and Strauss's coach at Middlesex, labelled his latest innings as "absolutely brilliant".