West Indies v/s England: Joe Root, Ian Bell rescue England post early batting collapse
Ian Bell (69*) and Joe Root (61*) put on a 133-run partnership for the fourth wicket and revived England's batting.
England are playing at 167 for 3 on the first day of the first test in Antigua.
West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin was rewarded for his decision to make the tourists bat as his seamers got the early breakthroughs he was hoping for. Jonathan Trott, returning to test cricket for the first time since quitting the 2013-14 Ashes Tour with stress related problems, was dismissed in the first over. Trott, winning his 50th cap, edged a good delivery from Jerome Taylor to Darren Bravo who pocketed the straightforward catch at slip.Skipper Alastair Cook made 11 before he was bowled by Kemar Roach, getting an inside edge on a delivery that cut back. The West Indies opening pair bowled a consistent full length and tight line, making it tough for England's batsmen but it was a wider ball from Jason Holder that removed number three Garry Balance.
The Zimbabwean-born batsman reached at Holder's full delivery and flashed a high catch to Bravo who again captured it gleefully. A patient Ian Bell (10) and Joe Root (11) saw England through to lunch without further loss after what was a very encouraging session for new West Indies coach Phil Simmons.
Later Ian Bell (69*) and Joe Root (61*) put on a 133-run partnership for the fourth wicket and revived England's batting.