09 July,2010 07:21 AM IST | | AFP
Ian Bell marked his return to England's one-day side with an unbeaten 84 as they defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in the first of a three-match series at Trent Bridge here yesterday.
Bell, recalled in the absence of injured No 3 Kevin Pietersen, faced 101 balls with six fours as England, chasing 251 to win, finished on 251 for four with 29 balls to spare in this day/night fixture.
This was Bell's first ODI since facing India in Bangalore in November 2008.
"Andy Flower (the England coach) spoke to me about a few things when he left me out of the side last year, mainly about playing spinners in the middle overs and it's started to pay off," Bell told Sky Sports.
Bangladesh's defeat was made worse as wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim, hit in the face by a delivery from spinner Faisal Hossain and Raqibul Hasan, who broke a toe when struck on the foot by Engand seamer James Anderson, both suffered injuries that ruled them out of the remainder of the series.
