Star Kieswetter makes dream England start
BATTING sensation Craig Kieswetter enjoyed a dream debut for the England senior side with a boundary-strewn 143 as they began their tour of Bangladesh with a convincing victory over a Cricket Board XI in Mirpur.
The Somerset wicketkeeper-batsman smashed 13 fours and six sixes as he announced himself on the world stage with a blistering 123-ball knock.
Paul Collingwood also showed form with a 74-ball 109 as the tourists hit a mighty 370-7 in their 50 overs, while new skipper Alastair Cook hit 56 in a 126-run opening partnership with Kieswetter (right).
But star batsman Kevin Pietersen did not fare quite as well and was harshly adjudged lbw with his very first delivery.
Victory, though, was never in doubt for the tourists as spinner Graeme Swann claimed 4-44 to reduce the hosts to 258-9 and seal a 112-run success.
Kieswetter, however, will take the plaudits after being called up late to the squad following a string of impressive performances for the Lions in the United Arab Emirates.
The South Africa-born 22-year-old only qualified to play for his adopted country last week after serving his four-year qualification period.
England take on another BCB XI in Mirpur tomorrow before the first of three one-day internationals with Bangladesh starts on Sunday.