England captain Andrew Strauss ended his long wait for a century with a polished unbeaten 121 to lead his team to 259 for three on the second day of the first test against West Indies at Lord's on Friday.
Strauss reached three figures in a test for the first time in 18 months, England finishing 16 runs ahead of the touring side with seven wickets remaining and in complete control of the match.
Strauss's watchful innings was studded with trademark attacking strokes, crisply-timed drives through the covers, powerful cuts and firm shots off his legs. He hit 19 fours in his 20th test century, sharing a second-wicket partnership of 147 with Jonathan Trott who scored 58.
England fast bowler Stuart Broad had struck with the first ball of the day to dismiss West Indies for 243, removing Shannon Gabriel for a golden duck to complete test-best figures of seven for 72.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul was left stranded at the other end, 13 runs short of his 26th test century after another brave attempt to hold together the West Indies brittle batting order.
Brief scores: West Indies 243 v England 259 (A Strauss 121, I Trott 58)
{{/usCountry}}Brief scores: West Indies 243 v England 259 (A Strauss 121, I Trott 58)
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