Alastair Cook scores first England century since May 2013

England captain Alastair Cook completed a much-needed century on the second morning of England’s first tour match in the West Indies against a St Kitts & Nevis International XI.

Cook, who resumed at the crease on 95 not out this morning, comfortably reached three figures before retiring after a confidence boosting innings.

On his first ball of the day, Cook controlled a thick edge to the boundary before bringing up his hundred with a punched shot for two off the back foot.

The skipper acknowledged the crowd before shaking Gary Ballance’s hand and leaving the fray with a return of 101 from 200 deliveries, allowing Ian Bell to arrive at the crease.

The total was Cook’s first century since May 2013, leaving the visitors in a strong position after skittling the invitational XI out for just 59 on Monday morning.

The first test against the West Indies begins on April 13 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, with England hoping to secure a positive performance and result ahead of this year’s Ashes series.