A young Zimbabwe fan collects autographs

It is true that the umpiring so far has been below average and England felt that Flower received two reprieves before reaching his century, but there seems to be a growing feeling among international cricketers that the opposition must 'walk', while they remain rooted to the spot.

England can have no complaints because Hussain never walks voluntarily and he stood his ground shamelessly on Saturday after he clearly gloved a catch to Flower.

Foster's over-reaction - in only his third match, after all - smacked of double standards.

Flower blossomed after reaching his century and produced a remarkable innings. He is now ranked the premier batsman in the world and, on this showing, it's easy to see why.

Zimbabwe were 127 for six at one stage, yet Flower completely destroyed England's inexperienced attack and his partnership with Streak, who made 56, is a record for the seventh wicket in all one-day internationals.

Flower showed true class

Flower remained unbeaten on 142 and gave a perfect illustration of how to score at a run-a-ball without having to resort to slogging.

Once again, England got away to an excellent start.

Nick Knight has made scores of 50, 82 not out and 41 and is proving to be extremely difficult to bowl to.

Hussain was unable to bat at number three because of a leg injury, and this gave Mark Ramprakash a chance to show what he can do in that position.

He will have surprised many people as he hit the ball over the in-field and made a rapid 47.

The most pleasing aspect, though, was the partnership of 90 between Paul Collingwood and Andrew Flintoff.

This is supposed to be a learning experience, after all, and Collingwood had precious little opportunity to show what he is capable of during the summer's NatWest Series.

He scored 36 and Flintoff a powerful 46 which steered the game England's way.