BELL, ROOT HIT BACK FOR ENGLAND ON DAY 1

Mon, Apr 13, '15

NORTH SOUND, Antigua, CMC – Ian Bell’s 22nd Test hundred took the sting out of West Indies’ attack and lifted England from a position of danger to one of dominance, on the opening day of the first Test here Monday.

With his side floundering at 34 for three in the second hour of the morning, the 33-year-old right-hander came to the rescue with a classy 143 that helped propel the visitors to 341 for five at the close at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

Bell anchored two partnerships which blunted a West Indies seam attack that showed immense promise in the morning session, after Denesh Ramdin won the toss and opted to bowl first.