Fabian Cowdrey receives bat from Strauss

Andrew Strauss returned to his former school and presented Fabian Cowdrey, the 12-year-old grandson of Colin Cowdrey, with a signed bat.

Strauss, who was at Caldicott Prep School to open a new hall, presented the bat after Fabian scored a school record two centuries in four days last week.

Simon Doggart, the headteacher, said Strauss had only scored two 50s during his time at the school between 1986 and 1990. He told the Slough Express: "I think it gave some of the boys hope that they do not have to be brilliant at a young age, and if they work hard can achieve."

Following his slow start to the season, Strauss was then given the opportunity of extra practice, ahead of the Bangladesh series, when he went to the school nets to face some bowling from the pupils.