Strauss makes sweet music

Captain Andrew Strauss hit his 15th Test hundred as England hit back hard after their capitulation last week.

Strauss celebrated a 167-ball effort deep into the afternoon session as England made the most of being inserted in the hastily-arranged third Test.

England took tea on the opening day on 206 for one at the Antigua Recreation Ground.

A vicious pulled four off Daren Powell put the left-hander on the verge of three figures and when he punched a full toss into the gap on the leg-side for two off the very next ball, he immediately let out a roar of delight, before saluting the thousands of travelling fans.

His latest three-figure effort at this level, full of attacking endeavour, ensured the tourists made a strong response to their calamitous showing in Jamaica.

Having been dismissed for 51 at Sabina Park, there were ironic cheers when England eased beyond that score during a morning session restricted to 18 overs by morning rain.

Strauss even brought up the team 100 in style, lofting Sulieman Benn for a straight six as England upped the tempo.