Duo help England to big total

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The pair took advantage of a brave gamble from India captain Rahul Dravid to bowl first at the Rose Bowl after winning the toss and seized on the opportunity after the tourists' attack failed to extract the movement they expected to put England under pressure.

They forged a 178-run stand off 185 balls and enabled England to reach a commanding 288 for two with Bell hitting an unbeaten 126 off 118 deliveries.

Cook also hit a superb 102 from 126 balls, overcoming a slow start to his innings during the early powerplays to hit eight boundaries before falling just eight runs before the end of the innings.

Warwickshire batsman Bell was equally impressive having set the pace during the early stages of their partnership, hitting 10 fours and a six during his stunning display.

It was the first time two batsmen had scored centuries for England in a one-day international since Andrew Strauss and Paul Collingwood matched the feat against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge two years ago.

Both their knocks were a testament to their determination with both batsmen coming under pressure for their place in the one-day side before the start following the return of Andrew Flintoff and Ravi Bopara through injury.

One was expected to lose their berth for the opening match of the seven-game series, but instead retained their places with England instead choosing to drop Owais Shah, their leading run-scorer in the one-day series against West Indies earlier this summer.

It was an inspired decision by the England hierarchy with both batsmen rewarding their faith by contributing crucial centuries at the start of a two-month period of non-stop one-day cricket.