Strauss saw his attacking opening innings come to an unfortunate end

The batsman was dropped for the tour of Sri Lanka but recalled for the trip to New Zealand, where he is playing for a local team to fine-tune his game.

"I was bitterly disappointed to miss out (on the Sri Lanka tour)," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportweek programme.

"But in some ways it was a blessing in disguise, and gave me a chance to work on areas I needed to improve on."

Interview: Andrew Strauss

Strauss made 39 runs on his debut Northern Knights as they lost by five wickets to Otago Volts on Sunday.

England A captain Alex Gidman struck 54 as the Volts won with nine balls left.

Strauss, 30, is poised to open the England innings with Alastair Cook when the Test series with New Zealand begins in Hamilton on 5 March.

It's a challenge for the senior players to turn it around, and it's going to take some big performances Andrew Strauss on England's Test form

He will not be part of the England Twenty20 and one-day teams, who are in action prior to the Tests.

"I feel really refreshed and invigorated after having three months away," he said.

"I'm really excited about 2008, hopeful it's going to be a big year for English cricket and myself."

The calm left-hander made a sensational start to his Test career in 2004, scoring 112 on his debut against New Zealand at Lord's, and was only denied a century in the second innings when he was run out on 83.

Strauss has gone 13 matches without a century at Test level since his 116 against Pakistan in August 2006, but now prepares to face the Kiwis again for the first time since his memorable debut series.

606: DEBATE Should Strauss be recalled?

"This is almost like a fresh start for me, and there is nothing better than coming into a Test series feeling motivated, fresh, comfortable with your game.

"That final ingredient - being mentally switched on - is the only thing that holds most players back."

While the one-day team has improved with victory at home against India and on tour in Sri Lanka, the Test side lost three-match series 1-0 against both those countries.