England win one-day opener

Ian Bell scored 126 not out as England beat India by 104 runs in the first one-day international at Southampton.

Bell came in at number three and shared a stand of 178 with opener Alastair Cook, who scored 102 as England posted a total of 288 for two.

James Anderson took four for 23, including the 100th one-day international wicket of his career as India were bowled out for 184 in exactly 50 overs in the first of the seven matches in the series.

England captain Paul Collingwood said: "It was a near-perfect performance, but let's not get too carried away.

"It was fantastic to have two centuries and then the bowlers coming out and sticking to their task, but we have six games left."

Collingwood's opposite number Rahul Dravid admitted India were below the required standard.

He said: "I don't think we came to the party at all, we didn't play cricket.

"We were out-batted, out-bowled and out-fielded. We have to play a lot better if we are to have a say in this series."

Dravid was the tourists' top scorer with 46 before he was caught behind.

Andrew Flintoff claimed a wicket in his first appearance for England in four months.

The second match in the series takes place in Bristol on Friday.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.