Cricket:Alastair Cook and
Ian Bell both hit maiden centuries to form the foundation of
England's impressive total of 288 for two in the opening match of
the Series against India.
The pair took advantage of a brave gamble from India captain Rahul Dravid to bowl first at the Rose Bowl after winning the toss and seized on the opportunity after the tourists' attack failed to extract the movement they expected to put England under pressure.
They forged a 178-run stand off 185 balls and enabled England to reach a commanding 288 for two with Bell hitting an unbeaten 126 off 118 deliveries.
Cook also hit a superb 102 from 126 balls, overcoming a slow start to his innings during the early powerplays to hit eight boundaries before falling just eight runs before the end of the innings.
Warwickshire batsman Bell was equally impressive having set the pace during the early stages of their partnership, hitting 10 fours and a six during his stunning display.
It was the first time two batsmen had scored centuries for England in a one-day international since Andrew Strauss and Paul Collingwood matched the feat against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge two years ago.
Both their knocks were a testament to their determination with both batsmen coming under pressure for their place in the one-day side before the start following the return of Andrew Flintoff and Ravi Bopara through injury.
One was expected to lose their berth for the opening match of the seven-game series, but instead retained their places with England instead choosing to drop Owais Shah, their leading run-scorer in the one-day series against West Indies earlier this summer.
It was an inspired decision by the England hierarchy with both batsmen rewarding their faith by contributing crucial centuries at the start of a two-month period of non-stop one-day cricket.
England had begun the innings frustrated at their failure to make the most of the powerplays — a factor which was instrumental in their dismal World Cup campaign — with the inevitable consequences.
Under-fire wicketkeeper Matt Prior had become increasingly irritated at England's slow start, which he signalled by hitting Zaheer Khan down the ground for six and his only boundary.
But when he attempted to repeat the shot off the same bowler, Prior only succeeded in giving a leading edge high in the air to Dravid at mid-on.
It was another 31 overs before India claimed another success with Cook getting an inside edge onto his stumps trying for a big shot against left-arm seamer RP Singh.
Cook's demise set the stage for Kevin Pietersen to shine with eight overs remaining and he helped Bell add 67, although India will have been relieved England were unable to break the 300 barrier by adding only 78 in the final 10 overs.