MARK RAMPRAKASH paid tribute to his family after finally scoring his hundredth first-class century at the weekend.
The Surrey batsman, who was raised in Harrow and attended Harrow Weald Sixth Form College, became only the 25th player to reach the milestone, as his side took on Yorkshire at Headingley, the venue where he registered his first 100.
The run-getter made his 99th ton against Sussex back in May and had endured an agonising wait and dip in form until his big moment arrived.
However, there were no signs of nerves on Saturday as his chanceless milestone came off 196 balls and included nine fours and a six.
"When I started out I never dreamed about making that many hundreds but I'll certainly take it now,'' said Ramprakash after the match, which was abandoned as a draw after the heavens opened. "I feel honoured to join such a high calibre of names who have also achieved the feat."
Ramprakash dedicated the feat to his family including his parents Deo and Jennifer, from Pinner.
He said: "It's definitely something I'll cherish for the rest of my days. I'd like to dedicate this to my mum, dad, sister, wife and daughters."
He became the first man in a decade to make 100 first class centuries and it took him 676 innings to get there, making him the eighth fastest of the elite 25 batters to reach it.
Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon said: "We salute the greatest batsman of his generation.''
