Strauss bludgeons huge ton as England batter Bangladesh
Published:England’s one-day side recovered from Saturday’s shock defeat to Bangladesh and reaffirmed their international credentials with a crushing win against the Tigers.
Centurions Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott shared England’s highest one-day partnership as the hosts secured the NatWest Series in style with a 144-run victory over Bangladesh at Edgbaston.
Following series wins against Australia and South Africa, England are in fine form with the 2011 World Cup on the horizon. England are 4/1 to be crowned world champions.
At Edgbaston, Strauss and Trott came together four balls into the England innings after Craig Kieswetter was bowled for a duck, and they put on 250 as England posted 347 for seven, their third largest one-day total.
Strauss’ majestic 154, his fourth one-day hundred, contained 16 fours and five sixes – the third biggest knock in English one-day history – while Trott (110) added a maiden century.
Ravi Bopara hit four of his 16 balls for six to finish on 45 not out at the end of the innings, and then chipped in with four wickets to help bowl Bangladesh out for 203.
England seamer Ajmal Shahzad deceived danger man Tamim Iqbal with a slower ball before accounting for Imrul Kayes too, flicking the glove with a fierce rising delivery to make it 24 for two.
Mahmudullah, who top-scored with 42, and Abdur Razzak, with 27, delayed the inevitable before Michael Yardy and Bopara wrapped things up.
Next up for England is a test series with Pakistan, followed by two Twenty20 matches and five one-day internationals against the same opponents.
And England will be keen observers of Pakistan’s test matches with Australia, against whom England will defend the Ashes this winter. England are 11/4 to retain the urn.
How will Pakistan fare against Australia? They are 5/1 to win the series. See the full Pakistan vs Australia market.
