Bairstow century propels England to easy win over West Indies

An unbeaten century from Jonny Bairstow helped England stroll to a seven-wicket victory over West Indies in the opening match of their one-day series at Old Trafford on Tuesday. With England set a modest target of 205 in a match reduced to 42 overs per side because of a weather-delayed start, the outcome was never really in doubt, and the main question was if Bairstow had time to reach three figure for the first time in ODIs.

Jonny Bairstow hit his maiden century as England outclassed West Indies in the first ODI.

Read all about it https://t.co/vFzWpMI0CL #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/R5WUdylqZy— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 19, 2017

Bairstow got there in the 31st over and a few balls later Ben Stokes sealed the win by launching Ashley Nurse over the boundary rope. West Indies' defeat means they will have to qualify for the 2019 World Cup.

Jonny Bairstow: 'There have been ups and downs along the way so when you get a chance it's important you take it'. #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/XmXXgtAo8J

— Sky Sports Cricket? (@SkyCricket) September 19, 2017

They made a fast start to their innings with Chris Gayle, dropped by Joe Root in the first over, thumping three huge sixes as the visitor reached 45 without loss after five overs. Root made amends when he sprinted full steam to catch Gayle on the boundary for 37 and while Shai Hope (35), Marlon Samuels (17) and Jason Mohammed (18) all made starts, wickets fell at regular intervals with Stokes the main dangerman.

Yes you absolute beauty @jbairstow21!!! Well played!!! He always grabs his opportunity with both hands!!! ?? #ENGvWI

— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) September 19, 2017

Hope was superbly caught one-handed by man-of-the-match Bairstow on the mid-wicket boundary off the bowling of Stokes, who finished with figure of three for 43. Jason Holder's 41 not out helped West Indies past the 200-mark but it never looked like being enough.

What a start to the series! Proper work from the team. Massive congratulations to @jbairstow21 tonight, proper knock.

— Jason Roy (@JasonRoy20) September 19, 2017

Alex Hales was caught off the bowling of Jerome Taylor for 19 but Root joined Bairstow for a second-wicket stand of 125 before Root was bowled by Kesrick Williams for 54. Williams also removed captain Eoin Morgan for 10 but Stokes joined Bairstow as England cantered home under the light. The second match is at Trent Bridge on Thursday.BRIEF SCOREEngland 210/3 in 30.5 overs (Bairstow 100*, Root 54) beat West Indies 204/9 in 42 overs (Holder 41*, Stokes 3/43) by seven wickets