Top prospect Andrew Strauss waltzed to a career-best during Middlesex's recent CricInfo Championship win at Lord's.

The 24-year-old South African-born batsman made 176 off 286 balls against a weakened Durham attack.

With 21 boundaries, Strauss orchestrated Middlesex to a key Division Two victory.

The opener told CricInfo: "It was one of the few days when everything went my way." His 100 came off 151 balls, before he eventually holed out to square leg to make the total a commanding 301/4.

A fourth-wicket Middlesex record was established in the match, with partner and old Radley College chum Ben Hutton going on to score 120. The previous record was set by Mark Ramprakash and John Carr back in 1995.

Strauss and Hutton, both left-handed batsmen, have a lot in common. They were born in the same South African hospital just a month apart.

"We first started batting together aged 13. We were both so tiny we could hardly hit the ball off the square then, but we've developed together quite well," revealed Strauss.

Ironically, Strauss is a former student at Durham University, where he gained a BA(Hons) degree in economics in 1998. In that year he made his first-class debut for Middlesex. He also played rugby and golf for his university during his undergraduate years of 1996-8.

'Johan's' third first-class century and second of the season was achieved in his 41st first-class match. He now has 727 runs for the season at an average above 40.

His ambition is to "reach the top. I aim to make the most of my abilities". And with a famous name (albeit musical - no relation) and with a Hutton (grandson of Sir Len) to support him, getting noticed may be just that bit easier.

© CricInfo Ltd.