Strauss - It was emotional..(Cricket)

Andrew Strauss admitted he was relieved to
"take the monkey off my back" after his long-awaited century put England
in a commanding position at stumps on day two against West Indies.


The under-pressure England captain silenced his critics in style
with an unbeaten 121 - his first century in 18 months - to help his side
open up a 16-run first-innings lead with seven wickets in hand.

Speaking to Sky Sports at the close of play, Strauss, who
received a spine-tingling standing ovation from the Lord's crowd, as
well as an almighty bear-hug from batting partner Kevin Pietersen,
admitted his 20th Test century was a pivotal moment in his career.
He said: "It was a great feeling to get
the 100. It was quite torturous getting there, the last 15, 20 runs but I
suppose that's what makes it even more special when you do cross the
line eventually.

"It's been a little while coming, I had to dig pretty deep and work hard and thankfully it was meant to be today.


West Indies ended with 243 all out with Chiv Chanderpaul top scoring 87 not out to remain the best Batsman in the World
Stuart Broad took 7-72. with the Ball for England
England at close of Day 2 were 259-3