England cricket players paid tribute to Andrew Strauss’ Test Match career yesterday by presenting him with 100 specially commissioned bottles of Laithwaite’s wine to mark his 100th Test Match appearance.

Players asked the Official Wine Partner of England Cricket, Laithwaite’s Wine to provide a bottle for every appearance, each with a memorable moment from Strauss’ Test Match career sketched on to the label.

Strauss is known to be a wine lover and Laithwaite’s Wine worked with the Professional Cricketer’s Association (PCA) to choose wine styles he would particularly like. Laithwaite’s provided 50 bottles of white wine – a Limited Edition Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011, which Strauss enjoyed at a recent Laithwaite’s Wine tasting and 50 bottles of a Bordeaux red – Chateau le Coin 2010. Laithwaite’s Wine also supplied 22 bottles of Laithwaite’s Premier Cru champagne – a celebratory bottle for each century scored and for his 100th cap.

Jimmy Anderson, who organised the presentation, paid tribute to his captain: “We wanted as a team to recognise this major landmark in Straussy’s career. He is a top player, captain, and team-mate, and we are delighted Laithwaite’s could help us mark the occasion with something he’ll truly appreciate.”

Glenn Caton, Managing Director of Laithwaite’s Wine comments: “We’re delighted to support the players in their tribute to Strauss – and to celebrate his magnificent cricketing achievements. We hope he finds time after the South Africa Test Series to enjoy a glass or two with the rest of the team!”

Players presented their 100 bottle wine tribute to Strauss privately on the eve of his 100th test appearance (Wednesday 15th August). All Out Cricket Magazine worked with Laithwaite’s Wine on label design.