England post big ODI total
10:27am Friday 11th January 2013 in National Sport News © Press Association 2013
Ian Bell scored 85 as England posted 325 for four
England's batsmen enjoyed a productive day as they posted 325 for four in the first one-day international against India at Rajkot.
After losing both warm-up matches, openers Ian Bell (85) and Alastair Cook (75) calmed any nerves with a carefree stand of 158 - England's highest opening partnership against India.
Kevin Pietersen, playing an ODI for the first time in 11 months after returning from retirement, added 44 and Samit Patel hit a brisk 44 not out at the end - but there was no chance for debutant Joe Root, who was unused at number seven.
While England will be satisfied with their efforts, a benign pitch and pacy outfield mean India were by no means out of it at the mid-point.
