Cricket: Emotions come to the fore for skipper Andrew Strauss

ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss made no attempt to hide his emotion after finally ending his 18-month wait for a 20th Test century.

Strauss reached three figures by cutting opposite number Darren Sammy for four on day two as England took control of the first Investec Test against the West Indies at Lord’s.

The Middlesex opener was given a breathtaking round of applause by the crowd at his home ground before finally resuming his innings and reaching 121 not out, helping England close on 259 for three and with a first-innings lead of 16 runs.

“It’s been a while so it’s one of the more special [hundreds],” he said. “It’s been a long wait but it makes it all the more special to get to 100.”

Reflecting on the moment itself, he added: “I was just waiting for the cut ball! He [Sammy] hadn’t bowled one for about ten overs but thankfully it came. It was a very special ovation, it did go on and on. It was slightly emotional and I had to take a couple of moments.

“It’s not that often in your career you get to score a Test century and you have to enjoy them.”

Strauss’ long barren run had seen pressure build on his place as captain and at the top of the order, but the reaction of his team-mates – particularly the bear-hug he received from batting partner Kevin Pietersen – demonstrated the regard in which he is held.