Rob Key described hitting a maiden Test century as "by far the best day I've ever had playing cricket". Key survived a dropped catch on 16 to make an unbeaten 167 against West Indies as England dominated at Lord's.
But he refused to criticise Brian Lara's decision to bowl first, saying: "Unfortunately for them and luckily for us it didn't swing.
"On a good pitch and with it overcast the best chance to get wickets was when it was swinging."
He added: "We had our luck here and there and it got easier as the sun came out."
 |  It's fantastic - making a century at Lord's and meeting the Queen |
Andrew Strauss's happiness at his second Test century at Lord's was topped by a meeting the Queen. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh met both teams during the tea break, with England in command at 233-1.
"It's fantastic - making a century at Lord's and meeting the Queen on the same day," said Strauss, who made 137 in a 291-run stand with Robert Key.
"I think I was actually more nervous about meeting the Queen."
Andrew Flintoff was impressed at the cricket knowledge of the royal visitor, who enquired about his injured ankle.
"She said that I wasn't quite right at the moment," said the all-rounder, who is unable to bowl in the match.
And the Queen also had positive words for the luckless tourists.
"She wished us luck and gave us encouragement," said captain Brian Lara.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
