Strauss hits 169 as England reach 301-3 at close

Captain Andrew Strauss hit a superb 169 on Sunday to lift England to a dominant 301-3 at close on the first day of the third test against the West Indies at the Antigua Recreation Ground.

Strauss cracked 24 fours and one six in notching his 15th Test century. The left-hander faced 278 balls in five hours, 50 minutes.

He shared successive century stands with Alastair Cook (52) and Owais Shah (57) that anchored the visitors after they were sent in.

Captain Chris Gayle (1-35) and fast bowler Fidel Edwards (1-41) led the hosts on a pitch which defied pre-match predictions that it would be good for bowling.

Kevin Pietersen was unbeaten on eight at stumps with night watchman James Anderson, who was batting on three not out.