England skipper presented with commemorative bat before play
ECB chief executive David Collier labelled Andrew Strauss a "superb ambassador for sport" after the England captain claimed his 100th Test cap at the start of the third Investec Test against South Africa at Lord's.
To mark the occasion, Strauss received a special silver commemorative bat before play from the ECB listing all the Test series he has featured in for England since his Test debut against New Zealand in 2004.
Strauss, who will also be leading his country in Tests for the 50th time in the must-win match at Lord's, is only the ninth England cricketer to reach 100 caps and joins a distinguished list of famous players which includes Michael Atherton, Sir Ian Botham, Geoffrey Boycott, Lord Cowdrey of Tonbridge, Graham Gooch, David Gower, Alec Stewart and Graham Thorpe.
ECB chief executive Collier said: "Nobody should be in any doubt whatsoever about the value of Andrew Strauss's contribution to the England team and the vital role he has played in taking our Test side to the top of the ICC's Test rankings.
"His record of 21 Test hundreds speaks volumes about his qualities as an opening batsman; he has been an integral member of three Ashes-winning sides - twice as captain - and as well as being an outstanding leader and a consummate professional, is a superb ambassador for the sport as a whole.
"It is fitting that Andrew should reach this momentous landmark on the ground where he has played so much cricket for both his county and his country and where he first announced himself as an international cricketer with a marvellous debut Test hundred against New Zealand in 2004.
"I am sure he will get a fantastic reception from the Lord's crowd when he leads England out in this Investec Test Match and on behalf of all at ECB, I would like to send him warm congratulations on reaching this milestone."
