Strauss leads by example

Strauss and Alastair Cook shared England's first double century opening stand for more than four years, in fact, to make good of winning the toss at Kensington Oval.

But once their stand of 229 came to its conclusion minutes after tea - the highest since Strauss and Marcus Trescothick turned the momentum of a match against South Africa in Durban in December 2004 - the runs dried up, as England closed on 301 for three.

Strauss was dismissed for 142 in spectacular manner by fast bowler Daren Powell to provide a breakthrough in the 65th over of a bat-dominated opening day.

A full delivery demolished Strauss' stumps to provide Powell with some joy after much suffering.

Opening partner Cook then perished five overs later, six short of a hundred, when he mishit a pull off Jerome Taylor which was clutched by a diving Ryan Hinds at midwicket.

It continued Cook's run of failing to register a Test century to 27 innings and to add to the frustration this was the 11th time he has got halfway there without converting.

Owais Shah appeared nervous upon his introduction and perished after spending 47 balls over seven, when he chopped a delivery from the 6ft 7ins Benn to slip.

Strauss had earlier taken advantage of being dropped on 58 to reach his latest hundred from 144 deliveries - in addition to that monstrous six he also struck 15 fours.

It was a strong statement from an England team attempting to overcome the odds to win a campaign they trail 1-0 with two matches to play.