Bell ton lifts England to 288 against West Indies

Ian Bell justified his elevation to the top of England's batting order on Saturday when he overcame a possible fractured jaw to score his second one-day century as the hosts amassed 288 for seven after being asked to bat first in game one of the three-match series against West Indies in Southampton.

Ian Bell marked his recall to England’s ODI side with an impressive hundred against the West Indies here on Saturday.

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Bell, given the task of filling the opener’s spot vacated by Kevin Pietersen following his limited overs international retirement, responded with 126.

But with England looking on course for a score in excess of 300, West Indies managed to hold them to 288 for six.
In reply the visitors were 127 for the loss of five wickets in 23 overs, when play had to be stopped because of rain.
West Indies opener Chris Gayle’s return to international cricket was delayed after a foot injury ruled out the explosive batsman. Skipper Darren Sammy was hopeful the Jamaican will be fit for the second game on Tuesday.
Brief scores: Eng 288/6 (Bell 126, Trott 42; Samuels 2/43)

Dhoni in Nepal to promote cricket
Kathmandu: After paying a visit to soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday arrived here on a two-day visit to interact with Nepalese cricketers. He said that he would be happy to promote cricket which is a popular sport in the sub-continent.