England make promising start

England raced to 94 for two from 15 overs in their must-win World Cup Group B match against West Indies.

Andrew Strauss shared a 48-run opening stand with Matt Prior and was then joined by a notably fluent Jonathan Trott, who timed six fours from the first nine balls he faced, picking the gaps expertly past midwicket and through the off-side too.

But Andre Russell had shifted both openers by the 12th over, an unsuspecting Prior bowled through the gate on the back foot and Strauss then mis-pulling the medium-pacer to go to a very good running catch by Chris Gayle. England, who had won the toss, were nonetheless still well-placed to post a competitive total.

On a pitch which appeared significantly better for batting than the one produced at the same venue for England's victory over South Africa 11 days ago, it seemed in excess of 250 would be required.

West Indies will get a second chance to progress to the quarter-finals, in their final group match against India here on Sunday, even if they lose today.

But England will be on the plane home early unless they chalk up a third victory today, and even then will have to hope either the Windies or Bangladesh lose this weekend.