England batter Bermuda
England recovered from their early setbacks
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Monday, 05, Mar 2007 10:04
England's preparations for the World Cup got off to a solid start after a thumping 241-run victory over Bermuda in a warm-up match in St Vincent.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Jamie Dalrymple top-scored with 76 as England posted 286-8 from their 50 overs.
Jon Lewis then took 3-7 as Bermuda were skittled out for a paltry 45 from 22.2 overs.
Captain Michael Vaughan spent 12 overs in the field before spending the rest of Bermuda's innings in the dressing room as a precaution.
Dalyrmple's 76 off 79 balls helped England recover after a poor start with skipper Vaughan dismissed for 18 and opener Ed Joyce out for just six.
While in-form batsman Ian Bell helped shore up the score with 46, together with returning big-hitter Kevin Pietersen (43) at number four, there were some embarrassing moments for England as they prepared for the World Cup in 11 days time.
The dismissal of Pietersen off the bowling of Dwayne Leverock, followed by the capture of Paul Collingwood for seven, was of particular note.
Leverock - or 'Sluggo' as he is known locally - weighs in at 20 stone and is a veteran at 35, but showed signs of the skill which has helped him become a key figure in the Bermuda World Cup side with the two scalps.
Finishing with figures of 32-2 off ten overs, Leverock proved a difficult competitor for England who were left reeling on 132-5 before Dalrymple's innings.
Aided first by Andrew Flintoff (24) and then Paul Nixon (17), the Middlesex man posted his best ODI score at international level, including three fours and two sixes, as he helped push the scoreboard on.
All-rounder Flintoff's innings came to an end when he was caught by Oliver Pitcher looking for a big hit off the bowling of Delyone Borden.
In reply, David Hemp (11) was the only batsman to reach double figures for the minnows.
The second-highest scorer was the eight runs in the extras column as Bermuda's highest partnership was the opening stand of 13 between Dean Minors (5) and Oliver Pitcher (2).
Lewis overshadowed James Anderson who finished with 2-8 and Flintoff who took 2-3 from just 15 balls.
Sajid Mahmood, Liam Plunkett and spinner Monty Panesar took a wicket apiece to give coach Duncan Fletcher a selection headache ahead of the tournament.
Bermuda will hope for better when they open their campaign against 1996 winners Sri Lanka on March 15th.
England, meanwhile, have one more warm-up game with Australia before they begin their campaign against New Zealand on March 16th.
Vaughan will spend 22 overs in the field against the Aussies on Friday in a bid to reach full fitness for the start of the group stages.