CRICKET:England's new-look line-up recovered from a shaky start to build a solid foundation in today's 50-over match against the West Indies Players' Association.
Led by Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell, who was given the captaincy in the absence of the rested Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen, the tourists suffered the early loss of Worcestershire’s Steven Davies after winning the toss and deciding to bat first.
But after being given a reprieve on 19 when he was dropped at mid-wicket attempting a hook, opener Ravi Bopara hit a determined 56 as the tourists reached 94 for two after 20 overs.
Davies, chosen as an opener on his first senior England tour, had hoped to make an impression and force his way into the selection plans for tomorrow’s Twenty20 International at Queen’s Park Oval.
He lasted just five overs, however, before seamer Atiba Allert uprooted his off-stump for two attempting an expansive drive down the ground.
But Bopara, resuming the opening role he was given in India before Christmas, helped England overcome that loss with a series of boundaries in an impressive stand with Owais Shah.
Bopara was stumped attempting to come down the pitch and hit over the top, but Bell combined with Owais Shah to continue England’s momentum.