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Michael Vaughan's side lead the series going to Trent Bridge

Skipper Michael Vaughan hailed England's win over New Zealand in the second Test as a "special victory" as his side went 1-0 up in the series.

A fine six-wicket haul from Monty Panesar and a century from Andrew Strauss were decisive in guiding England to an emphatic six-wicket win.

"We looked dead and buried until a superb spell for Monty and the knock from Andrew Strauss," said Vaughan.

"To win by six wickets on this type of pitch is a very special victory."

But after being rattled out for 114 in their second innings, New Zealand could not stop England reaching their target of 294 just before tea on the fourth day.

"It is an unbelievable achievement, to chase 294 with only four wickets down," said Vaughan. "It is something that the team deserve a lot of credit for. They showed great fight.

"I always think that batting in the third innings of any game is a tricky time.

"At 86-2 New Zealand were very comfortable but we got two quick wickets and then the momentum swung our way.

This is one of the most special days I have had with England Andrew Strauss

"We are 1-0 up now and have a great opportunity to win the series."

Strauss's knock of 106 was key to England's victory and Vaughan was pleased to see the left-handed opener back in form.

"He has grown with confidence and we all know what a character he is and his innings got us over the line," said Vaughan.

"Andrew is back playing well, and he is part of a good team that is showing resilience, and has a lot of character as well as mental strength and is developing all the time and it is one hell of a comeback and a turnaround."

Strauss himself is delighted to have returned to form for England after being dropped by selectors last year.

The Middlesex man was recalled to the side for the tour to New Zealand in March and was pleased to cap his comeback with a 12th Test century.

"This is one of the most special days I have had with England," said Strauss. "I really enjoyed it.

"It is not often you get the opportunity to take the game to the opposition on the fourth day. To get the victory is extremely satisfying.

606: DEBATE Let's not get too excited, England (just) beat a very poor New Zealand team U9106647

"That has been the secret but I'm feeling in good nick and it has hard work."

Man of the match Panesar's second-innings six-wicket haul was also a contributing factor in England's victory.

And now the spinner wants England to carry forward the momentum for the next Test at Trent Bridge, which starts on 5 June.

"We are 1-0 up now and have a great opportunity to win the series," said Panesar.

"For us it's been absolutely fantastic. We knew day four was the key and great credit to everyone who managed to turn it around from there."

Panesar now has 24 wickets in three Test matches for England at Old Trafford after taking seven against New Zealand in the past five days.

He said: "I really enjoy bowling here with the variable bounce and the pace in the wicket and it all helps with the way I bowl.

"This gives us a massive boost and we have to make sure that we turn up and play well again in the next test."