Alastair Cook crafts century as England start well

Alastair Cook celebrated his debut as England test captain by hitting an unbeaten century as the tourists reached 243-2 at tea on the opening day of the first test against Bangladesh on Friday.

Cook's 11th test century made Bangladesh regret their decision to bowl first as he reached 113 not out at the interval with Kevin Pietersen alongside him on 51.

Cook, quiet initially, grew in confidence hitting 11 boundaries in two sessions and smashing off-spinner Mahmudullah over long on to reach three figures.

His opening partner, debutant Michael Carberry, was first man out for 30, unable to cope with the spin of Mahmudullah.  

The left hander had clubbed six fours, including three in one over of paceman Rubel Hossain, in a bright opening but was dropped by wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim for 30 off Mahmudullah before being trapped leg before by the spinner in his next over.

Jonathan Trott was unluckily next to go when he was caught behind for 39, with replays suggesting that the short-pitched ball from Rubel struck him on the helmet before flying out to wicketkeeper Rahim.

Bangladesh brought their fielders in around the bat for the struggling Pietersen, but the former captain showed no sign of nervousness driving left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak for a cover boundary to get off the mark.