Alastair Cook hits century for England Lions against India A

Alastair Cook, England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, completed his hundred for the Lions in 173 balls and at stumps had moved on to 154 not out in a total of 310 for two against India A.

Alastair Cook spent valuable time batting ahead of the Test series with India, making an unbeaten century for the second-string England Lions on the first day of their match against India A at Worcester on Monday.

It was the first time Alastair Cook, given a chance to warm up with the England Lions during a break in the first-class County Championship, had reached three figures this year. (Action Images via Reuters)

It was the first time Cook, given a chance to warm up with the Lions during a break in the first-class County Championship, had reached three figures this year.

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The 33-year-old left-handed opener, England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, completed his hundred in 173 balls and at stumps had moved on to 154 not out in a total of 310 for two.

It was Cook’s first century since his monumental 244 not out against Australia in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne -- a rare England highlight in a comprehensive Ashes series loss.

England and India begin as five-match Test series at Edgbaston on August 1.