Strauss thrilled with England showing (From York Press)

Strauss thrilled with England showing

6:22am Tuesday 22nd May 2012 in National Sport © Press Association 2013

England captain Andrew Strauss believes his world-beating team's famed resilience with both bat and ball allowed them to prevail in a tough first Test of the summer against West Indies.

Many predicted an easy home victory at Lord's, as stage one of a landslide success in this three-match Investec series. But after England had stumbled to 57 for four - in pursuit of 191 to go 1-0 up - it required Alastair Cook (79) and back-to-form Ian Bell (63 not out) to seal victory by mid-afternoon on day five.

"Whenever you're chasing there's a bit of pressure, so it was an outstanding effort from Cook and Bell," said Strauss. "They played in a very classy manner."

He went on: "It was getting a bit harder, but we had faith the wicket would stay flat and slow.

"Our plan was just to negotiate the new ball, and things would become more simple.

"That's one of our real strengths as a side - a number of players play in different ways.

"It is reassuring - with Cook and Trott at the crease, and shot-players further down the innings.

"We all know Cook's qualities, and I'm sure he's pleased to see the boys home."

Cook did not quite do that, in fact, departing with two runs still required - but any lingering doubt about the outcome was long gone by then.

"It wouldn't have been a good thing to fall short in this circumstance," added Strauss, who rightly waved away direct comparison with England's abject failure in very different conditions to chase 145 to win against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi at the start of this year.