Kieswetter smashes debut century

Craig Kieswetter
12 April 2012

Craig Kieswetter's rapid rise to prominence showed no sign of abating after he hit 143 on his first England appearance against a Bangladesh Cricket Board XI in Fatullah.

Vice-captain Paul Collingwood also helped himself to a quickfire century, reached in just 66 balls, as England closed on 370 for seven from 50 overs.

The BCB XI did not help themselves in the field with at least seven missed catches and two botched stumpings.

Kieswetter's knock used plenty of that good fortune, as he twice offered up caught and bowled opportunities early on, was dropped down the ground on 80 and had two more lives after passing three figures.

But despite that, his brutal hitting down the ground will have caught the attention of team director Andy Flower, as he collected six sixes and 14 fours in his 123-ball stay.

Vice-captain Collingwood looked in good touch, hitting six sixes in a care-free 109 that occupied just 74 deliveries.

Captain Alastair Cook impressed on his return to the side, going at better than a run a ball and working the spinners before being trapped lbw for 56 by Alauddin Babu.

That brought Kevin Pietersen to the crease but he became Babu's second lbw victim in as many balls from a highly questionable decision.

Luke Wright benefited from three drops on his way to 25, before Tapash Baisya recovered from a poor start to take three wickets, including Collingwood and Matt Prior (eight) in two balls.

But it was Kieswetter, who only qualified for his adopted country last week and was drafted on to this tour at the last minute after impressing for the Lions, who stole the show. Five of his sixes were hit back over the bowler's head, with two over long-off clearing the ropes by 20 yards.

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