Cook hits first century of the season

MCC 332 for 6 (Cook 142, Loudon 53) v Sussex
Scorecard

Alastair started the new season in fine style with 142 at Lord's © Getty Images Enlarge

Alastair Cook struck the first century of the English season as his 142 led MCC to an impressive 332 for 6 on the opening day against Sussex at Lord's. With the sun slowly burning away the clouds, Cook shone with a fluent display which lasted 225 balls. Alex Loudon contributed a half century while James Kirtley and Robin Martin-Jenkins led the way with the ball.

Sussex were not at full strength, for a variety of reasons missing Chris Adams, Richard Montgomerie, Jason Lewry, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and Mushtaq Ahmed. However, that shouldn't take anything away from Cook's innings which was the ideal way to launch his season after a difficult Ashes tour. Despite his century at Perth he averaged 27 after Australia's attack dissected his technique on bouncy wickets. Today, there was neither the attack, nor the pitch, to trouble him and he made the most of it on a ground that holds fond memories. Last year he struck 89 and 105 in his two Tests in north London.

After a watchful start against a swinging new ball, which accounted for Nick Compton with the fifth delivery of the season via an edge to second slip, he took three fours off one Carl Hopkinson over. Against the seamers he stood tall and exploited a short Grandstand boundary, and when the spinners came on he was quick to bring out the slog-sweep, as his century arrived off 159 balls. It was his second hundred for MCC in this fixture, following 120 against Warwickshire in 2005.

His first major stand was with Owais Shah as they added 132 for the second wicket although Shah wasn't quite so fluent in striking 47. Kirtley broke through after the lunch break and was the pick of Sussex's attack, bowling at Lord's for the first time since his match-winning display in the C&G final last September. Loudon then joined Cook in a partnership worth 115, with Loudon's contribution 53 off 86 balls.

Sussex fought back later in the day as MCC lost 3 for 13. Luke Wright, who conceded five-an-over, ended Cook's century, also removing Zoheb Sharif, and Robin Martin-Jenkins, who went for less than two-an-over, trapped Loudon lbw. Alex Gidman and Steven Davies added 61 before Martin-Jenkins struck for a second time shortly before bad light ended play eight overs early.