Bell Stars as England Win ODI

Ian Bell stepped into Kevin Pietersen's shoes in the England one day batting line up, and hit a superb century as England won the opening ODI with the West Indies in a rain affected match....

Bell hit a fantastic 126, as England posted 288-7 from their 50 overs, having been asked to bat first in bowler friendly conditions.

The West Indies run chase was spoilt by an interuption for rain, and the hosts were able to complete a 114 duckworth lewis inspired victory.

Bell had to cope with the early dismissal of captain Alastair Cook, who went without scoring in the opening over, but the Warwickshire batsman marshalled the remainder of the innings superbly, to record only his second ever one day international century.

It came on the back of him passing an early morning fitness test, having had stiches in a chin wound, caused from batting in the nets the day previous.

West Indies in reply to England's total, were on course until a flurry of wickets either side of an hour long rain break, curtailed their chances of securing a morale boosting win.

Tim Bresnan again impressed with the ball, picking up 4-34 from his seven overs.

BBC SCORECARD

First one-day international, Ageas Bowl: England 288-6 beat West Indies 172 by 114 runs (D/L)

England: Cook (C), Bell, Trott, Bopara, Morgan, Kieswetter (W), Bresnan, Broad, Swann, Finn, Anderson

West Indies: Simmons, Smith, Darren Bravo, Samuels, Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Ramdin (W), Russell, Sammy (C), Rampaul, Narine