England beat Bangladesh by 137 runs to spark Cricket World Cup defence into life

But England have now kickstarted their bid to retain the trophy by beating Bangladesh.

Dawid Malan starred with the bat, with the 36-year-old hitting 140 in 107 balls at the top of the order.

​It was the career-best from Malan who had only secured his spot in the squad just days before the tournament was due to commence.

That total, as well as 82 from Joe Root and 52 from Jonny Bairstow, helped England post their highest-ever World Cup total away from home.

England even looked like they could get 400 at one stage.

But the middle and lower order toiled, with the Three Lions seeing Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid get just 36 runs between them.

Reece Topley and Mark Wood were the last men standing as England posted a score of 364-9.

With the ball, England got off to the perfect start.

Tanzid Hasan scored just one run, with Topley bowling a fine delivery which was then caught by Bairstow following a nick.

Topley then proceeded to secure the wickets of Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan.

Jos Buttler caught from Mehidy Hasan after a delivery from Woakes, while the latter was able to tempt Liton Das into a shot towards the wicketkeeper later on.

And Rashid then proceeded a fine catch to oust Mushfiqur Rahim after more good bowling from Topley.

Livingstone got in on the act to claim a seventh Bangladesh wicket, with Towhid Hridoy his victim.

England moved closer to victory when Rashid bowled a brilliant googly to remove Mahedi Hasan.

Shoriful Islam was dispatched by Wood for wicket No 9, with the Three Lions star opting to come round the wicket.

And Curran got the final wicket of Taskin Ahmed in order to secure victory.

For England, it's just what they needed.

They were heavily criticised last week following their poor performance in the defeat to New Zealand.

However, England's Cricket World Cup campaign now has lift-off and they'll be hoping to go all the way.

There's still the return of Ben Stokes to come, with the 32-year-old recovering from injury.

England do hope, though, that the veteran will be available for selection when they lock horns with Afghanistan on Sunday morning.

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After that they're due to face South Africa, who remain one of the favourites to go all the way and reign supreme.