Michael Lumb Century in Vain as England Crash to 15 run West Indies Defeat
England's post-Kevin Pietersen era began in earnest with a 15 run defeat to the West Indies despite Michael Lumb's century on debut in the first one-day international in Antigua.
The tourists had restricted West Indies, who will defend their T20 World Cup title last this month, to 269 for 6 with Tim Bresnan taking 3-68 as captain Dwayne Bravo's unbeaten 87 helped post a competitive total.
At 180 for 2 and just 80 runs required from 79 balls to secure victory, England were strolling but Lumb (106), Ben Stokes (5), Joe Root (37) and Jos Buttler (12) were all dismissed within six overs.
And though Ravi Bopara (23 not out) and Bresnan (14) put on an unbeaten 43 run partnership for the seventh wicket England's total of 254 for 6 wasl 15 runs short as they were frustrated at the death by Bravo and Ravi Rampaul.
"It was a great team effort," Bravo said. "We didn't start well, but then Simmons and myself laid a platform. Over 250 we back our bowlers. In the last 15 I told the guys we would win the game.
"Narine had five overs. We know once the run rate starts to go up it will be difficult. If we hold our nerve we will win. We can improve, definitely."
England captain Stuart Broad, who bowled just six overs during the West Indies innings, added: "I'd say up to 40 overs we were fantastic, certainly the first 30.
"We conceded 100 off last seven, credit to West Indies batsmen but we need to get better. We probably didn't react to conditions as well as we could. It's not all doom and gloom.
"It was a huge achievement for Michael Lumb on debut. I wouldn't look too much at the batting, it's the last 10 with the ball that hurt us. It's about cutting out mistakes with the ball."
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