Strauss hits ton as England pile misery on West Indies

LONDON: Andrew Strauss hit his first century in 26 innings to lead England to 259-3 against West Indies at stumps on day two of the first Test, surging into a lead of 16 on Friday.

“Obviously not having scored a hundred for a while, there was a bit of pressure on me to get out there and get some runs,” Strauss said. “The last 15 runs or so were quite hard work mentally because I hadn’t been there for a while, so it was a great relief to finally get those three figures. To get over that line was a great feeling.”

Strauss’ unbeaten 121, which came from 249 balls with 19 boundaries, was jubilantly received by the Lord’s crowd and put England in charge.

Jonathan Trott made 58, with six fours from 134 balls on a frustrating day for West Indies, for whom marlon Samuels was the most effective bowler with 1-34.

Earlier, West Indies were all out for 243 to the first ball of the day when Stuart Broad, who took a career–best 7-72, dismissed debutant Shannon Gabriel to give England the best possible start.

Broad’s previous best performance was 6-46 against India at Trent Bridge in 2011.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul was left stranded on his overnight score of 87 not out, after Broad had debutant Gabriel caught at second slip by Graeme Swann for a first–ball duck. — AP