A superb century from Ian Bell has sparked a turnaround from England following its disastrous start on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies.
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The 33-year-old showed why he is still considered to be England’s number one batsman after dealing well with the West Indies pace attack to reach 143.
It looked as though Bell would reach the second day’s play, however he was undone by a brilliant delivery from Kemar Roach who used the new ball to his advantage.
Bell received help from Joe Root (83) in their 177-run partnership to help England reach a total of 341-5 at the close of the day’s play.
The pair came together after England’s poor opening hour saw the Three Lions languish at 34-3 after just 17 overs.
Jonathan Trott’s return at Test level did not go to plan after he was dismissed for a duck, before skipper Alastair Cook (11) and Gary Ballance (10) fell shortly after.
All-rounder Ben Stokes replaced Root and reached 71 not out before the close of play to help put England back in charge following its horror start.
Kemar Roach (2-66) and Jerome Taylor (2-79) were the pick of the West Indies bowlers, who faded in the hot afternoon sun at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.
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