Alex Wakely registered his first century for Northants' first team last week and then revealed the trauma that led up to his achievement.

The former Bedford School student hit 111 against Cardiff UCCE in Northants' first innings at The County Ground, a knock that will have provided a boost after a slow start to the season.

Wakely said: "It's about time. I think it's been a long time coming – although I have always felt in good nick this season.

"It was quite an emotional thing for me as it's been a bit of a troubled time for my family recently.

"Two members of my family – my grandfather and my cousin – have passed away recently so there was an added significance for me when I my made my hundred.

"My grandfather was a big part of my career. He came to every game I
ever played and kept every scorecard.

"He was a lovely man who everyone liked and he played a big part in the development of my game.

"So there was a bit of an emotional drain before I got there. But playing cricket has helped me – it's what I love to do."

Wakely's ton has come at a good time with places in the Northants team set to be harder to come by following the arrival of South Africans Johan van der Wath and Andrew Hall, but that situation does not worry him.

He said: "I know I've got to score runs to keep my place in the team.
"I hear some people complaining about the South Africans coming but, from my point of view, it is a good thing.

"The youngsters like myself in the set-up can learn a lot from them and if there is competition for places then everyone has to play that bit better.

As to whether he would prefer to bat down the order rather than open, Wakely is open minded. He added: "I'm not particularly worried where I bat. I've been learning a lot about opening but my job is to get runs wherever I am – either in the first or second team."