Twenty-two-year-old Grena-dian Devon Smith said he felt great to score his maiden test century at Sabina Park yesterday.

"My century was a great feeling," Smith said at the post-match press conference. "Someone in the top order had to stick around and I managed to do it."

He said hard work at the West Indies camp and advice from Sir Garfield Sobers helped him reach the milestone in only his fifth Test match.

And West Indies captain Brian Lara praised the efforts of Smith and Ryan Hinds who spared the West Indies' blushes with a partnership of 122 for the fifth wicket after England had set the West Indies back by grabbing four wickets for 101 runs.

"We rallied well, England has us under some pressure," Lara said adding ..."Smith and Hinds put on a great partnership to pull us out of a hole."

Lara said he was happy for young Smith.

"It was a seesaw day but I am happy for young Smith. I can see the start of a long journey."

Lara said he felt the game was evenly balanced and admitted that the team faltered a bit with regard to meeting its pre-match goals.

Lara said at 101 for four, England were on top. After rallying to 281 for five, Lara said 311 for nine was a bit disappointing.

Lara said Smith and Hinds not only showed the more experienced batsmen up but they showed their quality as well.

And England bowler Simon Jones in his return to Test cricket said: "It's great to be back playing test cricket."

Jones, who grabbed the prized wicket of Lara added: "Taking Brian Lara's wicket was a great feeling... it's what I've been waiting the last 16 months for. The wicket was a real confidence booster because for the first two sessions I was very nervous," Jones, whose father also played for England, said.