CMC – Captain Andrew Strauss was chasing a half-century as world number one England began to assert their authority at lunch, on the second day of the opening Test at Lord’s, England today.

He was unbeaten on 31 as England, replying to West Indies 243 all out, were 80 for one at the interval already only 163 runs behind.

West Indies’ only success in the morning session came when Alistair Cook dragged a delivery from fast bowler Kemar Roach onto his leg stump, to depart for 26 on the stroke of the first hour, after adding 47 for the first wicket with Strauss.

The left-hander stroked four fours off 42 balls.

Strauss, however, short of form for the entire winter, was quickly into strike with scorching drives off fast bowlers Fidel Edwards and Kemar Roach.

He has counted five fours off 58 balls and was accompanied by Jonathan Trott on 17 at the break.

Despite the conditions, the Windies seamers failed to threaten allowing England to gather runs freely.

Earlier, West Indies failed to add to their overnight score as debutant Shannon Gabriel’s first Test innings lasted one ball, when he edged the first delivery of the morning to Graeme Swann at slip off seamer Stuart Broad.

The wicket gave Broad figures of seven for 72 and left Shivnarine Chanderpaul unbeaten on 87.

Scores so far: West Indies 243 all out, Engalnd 167 for one.