CRICKET: Ravi Bopara was part of the England side that edged to a nervy 29-run win over a University of West Indies Vice Chancellor’s XI in their opening match of the Tour.

England play three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals in the Caribbean as they tune up for the World T20 Championships in Bangladesh next month.

Essex all-rounder Bopara, below, scratched around for 12 with the bat before he poked a low and wide full toss from Raymon Reifer straight to cover.

England’s total of 290 for eight was underpinned by an unbeaten 104 by Joe Root.

In reply, the Vice Chancellor’s XI were bowled out for 260 with Bopara claiming one wicket from his four overs when he had Jonathan Carter trapped LBW.

The most significant contribution from England’s bowlers came from James Tredwell who returned figures of 3-39.

Meanwhile, Bopara’s Essex team-mate Tymal Mills had his feet up yesterday as the England Lions won the toss and opted to bat in their unofficial test against Sri Lanka A in Colombo.

England finished the day on 302-5.