England v Sri Lanka: Sam Robson sets himself century challenge

Robson said his maiden Test century was "a special, unbelievable, incredible feeling and moment"

England opener Sam Robson has challenged himself to repeat the success of the maiden century he made on the second day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley.

Robson's 127 in only his second Test helped the hosts to 320-6 at the close, a lead of 63 runs.

"In international cricket you have to perform," said the 24-year-old.

"Today was great. Now I have to do the same thing over and over again - that's the challenge."

The right-hander, driving and cutting strongly on the off side, shared stands of 142 with Gary Ballance and 87 with Ian Bell.

He had to sit through tea on 98, but returned after the break to drive Dhammika Prasad through the covers to move to three figures for the first time in Tests.

"It was such a special, unbelievable, incredible feeling and moment," said Robson. "I didn't really know what to do.

"[Ian Bell] said enjoy the moment, so I raised my bat and did just that."

Robson was born in Sydney to an English mother and represented Australia at under-19 level.

He moved to London in 2008, made his Middlesex debut later that summer and, on qualifying to play for England on residency grounds last year, scored five centuries over the winter for the England Performance Programme (EPP) and England Lions.

"I came to England when I finished school and have been here for six years," said Robson. "I've loved every minute of playing for Middlesex and living in London. I've got a great life here.

"There was a chance to play some domestic cricket back in Australia in the winter but I was with the Lions and the EPP and that was the end of it."

Robson was one of three new caps handed out by England in the drawn first Test at Lord's, the first since the 5-0 Ashes whitewash last winter.

He nicked behind for only one in the first innings and was bowled off an inside edge for 19 in the second.

At the time, former England opener Geoffrey Boycott said: "He has a problem around off stump and unless he shows something different I think his place is in jeopardy already."

But, following Robson's hundred at Headingley, Boycott, who scored 8,114 Test runs, said the youngster had already improved.

"He's played very nicely," said Boycott. "He was compact, tighter and got right behind it the ball.

"I wouldn't say there were too many spectacular shots, but it doesn't matter."