Ben Cox has revealed the "sheer joy and relief" he felt after scoring his maiden first class century for Worcestershire in the LV = County Championship clash with Hampshire at New Road.
Cox was delighted his parents were present to witness his 100 which arrived via a flick through mid wicket for three off Hampshire paceman James Tomlinson.
The county wicket-keeper had scored a career best 89 earlier in the season against Kent but this time made no mistake in getting to three figures.
Cox said: "It felt amazing to be honest, a massive sigh of relief when I got it through mid-wicket. It was sheer joy.
"I've threatened it a couple of times this season so it was good to actually get it out of the way now and hopefully get another one around the corner.
"I was really, really nervous. I was going back to my routines and trying to get every nerve out of me.
"I was trying to focus on every ball coming at me because I knew it was around the corner.
"I was within four runs and I was thinking 'one boundary here, just throw your arms at one' but then I thought 'no' and fortunately I got one through mid-wicket.
"You could tell the relief was there. It's one of those boxes I wanted to tick for ages and I threatened it with 89 against Kent but I got too far ahead of myself trying to score too quickly for the team.
"I'm just pleased to get it, a massive sigh of relief as you can probably tell.
"I was glad my parents were here to watch and support and I couldn't be happier at the moment if I'm honest. It has been an awesome day. My mum and dad are badgers, I think they are the biggest badgers that Worcestershire have got!
" They follow us around quite a lot at the minute but it is nice to have their support here. I' m really glad they were here today."
Cox was glad of the support out in the middle from Jack Shantry as he approached his milestone.
Cox said: "Jack kept me calm because as sooon as I got in the 90s I said to Jack 'I'm nervous here mate, say something' and he is always good.
"He said 'look mate, I've got all the confidence in you, just keep going, watch every ball, take it as it comes' and he put it into perspective really.
"I was thinking where am I going to get two boundaries from and he told me to focus on the next ball which is very true."
Cox received a rousing reception from his team-mates and coaches on the dressing room balcony when the magic moment arrived.
He said: "When I came off, the lads said they were so nervous for me which is nice and it shows the team ethic we've got.
"Everyone wants you to do well, a lot of people I've played with for years and years now.
"It's nice they feel the nerves that I feel. We all get on so well and share each other's successes."
Cox feels Worcestershire are in a strong position after topping 400 and claiming the wicket of Michael Carberry before the close and he believes spinner Saeed Ajmal will have a key role.
He said: "The pitch has deteriorated throughout the day really. It has got a bit in it still. It is slow and low. To get us past 400, we would have taken that at the start of today.
"Our goal was to get 350 and get our batting points and with going on to get 400 we are in a real good position, especially with taking the wicket of Michael Carberry. That is a massive bonus.
"Mitch (skipper Daryl Mitchell) has already told Saeed to have a good night's sleep and get loose in the morning. Saeed is going to play a massive part.
"Danny Briggs didn't turn it much but he was bowling quite fast. I'm sure Saeed will get it to turn and bounce on there."
