Shah found himself in an unfamiliar role

Middlesex's Owais Shah was drafted into the team as an emergecny replacement with Trescothick, who kept wicket for England last winter, unwilling to risk re-injuring his recently mended thumb.

Trescothick opened the batting as usual, however, only to go for nine when he got a leading edge to a ball from Pahla Jubair and was caught at mid-off.

Partner Nick Knight reached 13 before he attempted to go down the wicket to Thaled Mahmud and was bowled.

But Irani and Shah repaired the damage with some sensible batting before the latter was run out for 45.

Blackwell's arrival in the middle saw the scoring rate improve, although the Somerset all-rounder was droopped twice - once at cover and once at long-on.

Early wickets

Blackwell rode his luck

He was eventually caught behind off Tapash Baishya but Irani continued on to reach three figures - his first hundred in England colours, albeit in an unofficial fixture.

"I have learned a lot today. I know I have got a hundred, and it is a wonderful feeling - but there is more to it than that," Irani commented.

"It keeps lowhere, and you have to concentrate staying low in your stance, otherwise the ball is always hitting the bottom of the bat."

Bangladesh never seriously threatened England's target after Dominic Cork had picked up two for 10 in an excellent six-over spell.

Blackwell claimed three wickets with his left-arm spin and Shah gave the selectors food for through by effecting a leg-side stumping.