Gidman trumps Strauss

Andrew Strauss en route to 39 on his Northern Knights debut

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England opener Andrew Strauss made 39 on his debut for Northern Knights - but he was overshadowed by compatriot Alex Gidman.

Gloucestershire captain and former England all-rounder Gidman hit a half-century to lead Otago Volts to a five-wicket victory in their one-day encounter in Hamilton.

Gidman made 54 before being caught by Strauss, but Neil Broom’s unbeaten 50 off just 42 balls saw the visitors to their target of 225 with nine balls to spare.

Strauss, who was overlooked by England for the pre-winter tour of Sri Lanka, is keen to boost his chances of selection for the Test leg of the New Zealand tour which starts later this month.