Strauss has to play as far as i'm concerned. He had a blip in form in the summer, and in the Ashes, but he is one of England's most talented openers. I feel the decision to drop him against Sri Lanka was a good one, but feel that his style of play will definetly suit the NZ conditions. I'd drop Bopara, stick Vaughan down to 3, and go back to Cook and Strauss at the top of the order. Strauss is a magnificent player, and i feel that he still has a big future in English test cricket. If he gets another chance, i;m sure he'l perform brilliantly.
As for the bowlers, Harmy, Jimmy and Hoggy for me. Sidebottom IS one dimensional, relies on swing, and finds it very hard to take wickets without it. When theres no swing he tends to bowl far too straight, which allows top quality batsmen tojust ship him away on the leg-side. In home, swinging conditions he'd be a good choice, but i think a combination of Harmy, Hoggy and Jimmy is a much better attack. Anderson's going to be leading the attack in 2-3 years, so needs to be in the squad consistently, he's quick, accurate, swings the ball, aggressive, and a great fielder.
My team for the first test then:
Strauss
Cook
Vaughan
Pietersen
Bell
Collingwood
Prior
Hoggard
Harmison
Anderson
Panesar