Waugh rates hundred as one of his best

Steve Waugh's first-ever hundred at Edgbaston was one of the best Test centuries of his career - that's according to the man himself.

Waugh ended the day on 101 not out with Australia standing on 332-4, a lead of 38 runs over England. It was Waugh's 26th Test hundred and his eighth against England.

He had joined his twin Mark at the crease in only the second over of the day after Michael Slater had been bowled by Darren Gough.

Such an early dismissal in the day might have concerned some captains but Waugh strode to the crease like a man on a mission and rarely looked in trouble despite the overcast conditions.

He said: "The conditions were difficult out there. I thought England bowled pretty well, it was a bit up an down.

"Technically I thought I played really well, but that's going to happen on that type of wicket.

"It is definitely one of my better Test hundreds. England had their tails up and expected to take a couple of early wickets.

"I was more pleased with the runs I got in the situation. I've felt relaxed at the crease recently and tried to take that attitude into the Test, and enjoy the experience. The first 20 or 30 is as good as I've hit it for a long while.

"It's always great playing against England in a Test Match. The wickets over here certainly suit my style play; you get a little bit more time, I tend to play off the back foot.

"I thought Darren Gough bowled superbly and troubled all the batsmen. I thought England toiled away pretty well and we had a bit of luck.

"It's still in the balance. We've got to get some runs because it's going to be hard to bat last on that wicket. If we can get a lead of 150 we will put England under real pressure.

"The game is still there to be won by both sides. We had a really good day today. At this stage we've got our noses in front but there is still a fair way to go.

"We are certainly not getting carried away - we've been in this position in the last two Tests we've played and it didn't work out for us, so hopefully we've learned some lessons from India.

"England have shown heart over the first two days and they've shown they've got some good skill out there."

England coach Duncan Fletcher said: "It was a very good start to get Michael Slater, it would have been crucial for us to get another wicket, but the two Waugh brothers batted really well, and Steve showed what a class act he is.

"He plays an important role - he averages 50 in Tests, other bowlers have struggled to get him out as well.

"It shows that if you got in there and you've got the mental strength you can make runs.

"The bowlers have got to stick to the discipline and stick to the game plan. They bat all the way down, that's why they are number one in the world, well-balanced, experienced, enthusiastic.

"Strange things happen in cricket. We've got to make sure we get out there, show a lot of character and put up a good fight and you never know what might happen.

"Four down and 38 ahead, we've got a hard job. You've got to take every chance that comes your way against a side like this."