Alistair Cook

101 retired out !

In between, he demonstrated a slightly more open stance, left the ball with far more certainty about the location of his off stump and

having reached his half-century from 95 balls, skipped down the pitch and planted a six over long-on

in an innings that hinted at a more calm mind and more reliable technique than has been in evidence of late.

                                 

There were some lessons here, too. We learned that Ian Bell has been appointed vice-captain for the tour -

a modest change of approach as Cook has previously suggested that appointing someone to the position could discourage

other senior players from taking responsibility -

and we learned the likely make-up of the first seven in the Test batting line-up, at least.