Strauss said the Mumbai heat and humidity made batting difficult

Strauss made up for some low scores in Pakistan and India over the winter with a superb century on day one in Mumbai.

He said: "You've got to work out what shots work for you and what shots don't. You've got to be patient and wait for the bowlers to come to you."

"It's been tough to work it out but hopefully I've got there in the end."

Scorecard Day one report

Strauss said Owais Shah should be OK to bat on Sunday after cramp trouble.

Shah (50 not out) put on 156 with his more senior Middlesex colleague in an encouraging debut performance.

Strauss said: "The first couple of sessions were as hot as I've played in. It's unique conditions out here.

"The support team did a really good job with rehydration and stuff. I think Owais is going to be fine - he should be all right in the morning."

It's been tough to work out how to play here but hopefully I've got there in the end

Strauss went on: "It was a bit disappointing to get out in the final session but we've laid a platform to get a big score which is going to be crucial on this wicket, I think."

He said he was a little surprised to be batting first after skipper Andrew Flintoff had lost the toss.

"It didn't nip around as much as we thought it would, though," he added.

"It was great to take advantage early on and then go on to get a big hundred."