Stewart and McGrath shared an unbroken stand of 142 Day one report More photos from the Riverside

Stewart, appearing in his 128th Test, passed David Gower's aggregate 8231 and, unbeaten on 67 at stumps, lies 630 runs behind Graham Gooch's total.

"It's not all about statistics but to go past players like David Gower and Geoff Boycott is something to be proud of," he said.

"It gives you a little bit more enjoyment and more reason to carry on."

England's selectors were widely criticised for keeping faith with the 40-year old this summer, but Stewart said he was still keen to carry on.

"I've said for the last six years, if you're enjoying it why give it away?" he went on.

"It's my 128th Test and I still get the same feeling as I did the first time in Jamaica in 1990."

I've always been a natural timer of the ball and today was no different Alec Stewart

Stewart's contribution at Chester-le-Street was vital after a triple strike by Doug Hondo saw England falter to 156-5 at one point.

He and Anthony McGrath added an unbroken 142-run partnership for the sixth wicket, despite some suffocating bowling from spinner Ray price in particular.

"We had just lost three wickets so it was important that McGrath and I had a good partnership," Stewart added.

"Price bowled tidily and we didn't want to take too many risks so we were just waiting for the bad ball.

ENGLAND TEST RUN-SCORERS GA Gooch 8900 (118 Tests) AJ Stewart 8270* (128) DI Gower 8231 (117) G Boycott 8114 (108) MA Atherton 7728 (115)

"I've always been a natural timer of the ball and today was no different."

Stewart paid tribute to McGrath, who was 68 not out overnight, and said they were hopeful of extending their partnership into the second day.

"He has settled in well, he's very competitive and he's not afraid to take the attack to the opponent," Stewart said of the Yorkshire captain.

"He has looked the part in his two Test innings so far.

"The new ball is doing a bit so we'll try and see it off first thing and hopefully post a good total."