England start tour in commanding fashion

JOS BUTTLER and Moeen Ali ensured England started their tour of Bangladesh in the right fashion as they defeated a team containing several Tigers internationals in Fatullah.

England finally had the chance to concentrate fully on cricket following questions over security in the build-up and Buttler (80no) and Ali (70) put on a crucial stand of 139 to lift their side to a four-wicket win over a Bangladesh Cricket Board Select XI.

The hosts amassed 309 for nine, inspired by a majestic 121 from 91 balls by Imrul Kayes, with Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim, contributing 51.

England’s cause was not helped by Liam Plunkett and Ben Stokes both leaving the field midway through the innings, as the team initially toiled in the sweltering heat, and although both returned to the field and bowled later on, the former was in visible discomfort in his follow through.

England’s bowlers did well to peg back the BCB XI, who were 195 for three after 30 overs, but their top order batsmen struggled to capitalise on a fast start.

Instead it was left to Buttler, captaining the side in the absence of Eoin Morgan, who along with Alex Hales is missing the tour due to security issues, and Moeen to take on the task, which they did with aplomb, as they sealed victory with 23 balls to spare.