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Hick sees England home

Zimbabwe-born Graeme Hick hit a majestic unbeaten 87 as he swept his adopted England to victory over his former colleagues in Bulawayo in the first of four one-day internationals on Wednesday.

His highest-ever innings against his compatriots, scored off 109 balls, enabled England to reach their target of 199 after Zimbabwe scored 194-7.

The difference in England's required run rate is explained by the reduction of the match to 48 overs a side from the usual 50 because of a rain shower which interrupted play for 25 minutes.

Under the Duckworth-Lewis calculations, which govern international one-day cricket, the England target was extended by four runs.

Hick's knock took him to a career total of 3,420 one-day international runs, surpassing Alec Stewart's 3,378 and into pole position as England's highest run-gatherer in this form of cricket.

As heavy rain clouds gathered during the England innings, Hick had to be mathematician as well as batsman as he calculated whether England were in front at various stages, based on the Duckworth-Lewis chart.

So intent were he and partner Mark Ealham on studying the figures that they found themselves batting at the wrong end of the wicket and the umpires not noticing the discrepancy.

Zimbabwe got off smartly in their innings, with Neil Johnson, Alistair Campbell and Stuart Carlisle immediately putting the run rate above four an over. But just when Zimbabwe appeared comfortable at 83-1 they lost four quick wickets - and their way.

The innings was only salvaged through a determined 55 not out by Grant Flower, batting down at number six for the first time.

Craig White and Alan Mullally were best value for England with three wickets each.

Zimbabwe retained the upperhand when England began their reply and the tourists were in trouble at 109-5. But Hick was always in the ascendancy and with a sturdy supporting role from Ealham, who remained unbeaten on 36, he steered England home with nine balls to spare, hitting a six off Henry Olonga to end the match.