England win at The Ageas Bowl (From Daily Echo)

England win at The Ageas Bowl

7:00pm Saturday 16th June 2012 in Hampshire Cricket By Simon Walter, Senior Sports Reporter

England completed a comfortable win against the West Indies in today's Natwest Series opener at The Ageas Bowl.

Ian Bell set up the 114-run Duckworth/Lewis win with his second one-day international century after being promoted to open the batting following Kevin Pietersen's retirement from the format.

Bell's 126 equalled the career-best 126* he scored against India at the Ageas Bowl five years ago.

It helped England to make 288-6 after losing the toss.

Two overs were lost following showers midway through the tourists' chase, but England were well in control at that point.

Tim Bresnan finished with 4-34 as a West Indies side without the injured Chris Gayle was bowled out for 172, chasing a revised target of 287.

England can clinch the three-match series at The Oval on Tuesday.

Match report, reaction and pictures in Monday's Daily Echo