Bell shines in new role

Alistair Cook was delighted with Ian Bell's display as opener against West Indies as England look to move on from Kevin Pietersen.

Pietersen shocked many people by announcing his decision to retire from international limited-overs cricket with immediate effect, seemingly leaving England's one-day plans in turmoil. But the selectors decided that Bell should be the man to move up the order and that decision looks to have been vindicated, after the Warwickshire man struck a century in the opening NatWest series clash with the Windies. The 30-year-old smashed 126 from just 117 deliveries, his second ODI century, to help the home side record a comfortable victory in the first of three one-day internationals. Cook said: "We've had to move on from KP but what a great performance from Ian at the top of the order. Ian was fantastic, especially under cloudy conditions to start with."