Cook century puts England in driving seat
Mar 12 2010 - 17:01:59
Alastair Cook celebrated his first day as England's Test captain with a masterful unbeaten 158 and Kevin Pietersen contributed 99 as the tourists took complete command on day one of the first Test against Bangladesh.
Cook's 11th Test hundred was an epic knock of style and composure and saw him convincingly outstrip Andrew Strauss' mark of 128, the previous best by an England captain in their maiden outing.
Cook's innings, which formed part of a 170-run stand with Pietersen, helped his side coast to stumps at 374 for three.
Michael Carberry, one of two England debutants alongside Steven Finn, started his international career in a flurry of boundaries but could not last the distance.
Mahmudullah found a testing line early on and snared Carberry (30) lbw moments after Mushfiqur Rahim had spilled a regulation catch to reprieve him. By then Cook had already taken control of the 72-run opening stand and he continued to lead the way after Jonathan Trott's arrival.
Trott was in more attacking form after lunch, punching Shahadat Hossain to the ropes at third man in his first over back and then crunching him through the covers for four more. However, umpire Tony Hill, presumably sensing an edge, judged Trott caught behind for 39 after a Rubel Hossain bouncer that seemed to come straight off the batsman's helmet.
The wicket brought the under-pressure Pietersen to the middle but he started positively, hammering Abdur Razzak past mid-off to bring up the England 150.
Pietersen and Cook continued to keep the scoreboard ticking with regular boundaries and an airy sweep by the former brought up the 200. Cook, though, was not to be outdone and heaved Mahmudullah for a second maximum over mid-wicket to bring up his 11th Test century in style.
Cook passed Strauss' mark of 128 with a perfectly-timed drive but there was some relief for the hosts when Razzak found a way through Pietersen's defences with just a single needed for his century.
Cook was going nowhere, though, and was celebrating another landmark when his consistent ability to work the ball on both sides of the wicket saw him past 150. Paul Collingwood also looked in good touch and ended the day on 32 not out.