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North Sound - Ian Bell's composed 143 was the cornerstone of England's revival from the unease of 34 for three to the considerable comfort of 341 for five at stumps on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies on Monday.
On the pitch at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua that lived up its well-established reputation as a featherbed, the 33-year-old right-hander respected the early excellence of a disciplined fast bowling attack before flourishing in the remaining two sessions of the day.
His 22nd Test century spanned 342 minutes and was embellished by 20 fours and one six, most of those boundaries completed with the trademark polish for which he has been identified since making his debut against the same opponents 11 years earlier at The Oval in London.
