Bell puts England in command on third day
Nottingham: Ian Bell struck a solid 159 as England firmly put themselves in the driver's seat by taking a substantial 374-run lead on a controversy-marred third day in the second cricket Test against India in Nottingham today.
Bell notched up his 15th century to laid the foundation for England's massive second innings total of 441 for six on a day, which was marred by a controversial decision against the batsman.
Bell was declared run out but the Indians, in keeping with the spirit of the game, withdrew the appeal during the tea break to avoid the situation from blowing out of proportion. As a result, the batsman was called back.
Apart from Bell's heroics, Eoin Morgan (70), Matt Prior (64 not out) and Kevin Pietersen (63),were the other notable contributors as the hosts put India completely on the backfoot on a Trent Bridge track that seems to have eased out considerably.
Tim Bresnan (47 not out) was giving Prior company when stumps were drawn. With two full days left, India will have to bat out of their skin to prevent England from going 2-0 up in the four-match series and dislodge them as the number 1 Test team.
Earlier, controversy marred the second session of play after Bell was run out off the last ball before tea. The incident happened when Morgan flicked one towards deep square leg, but a diving Praveen Kumar prevented the ball from crossing the boundary.
Assuming that tea had been called, Bell walked off the crease before the bails were removed at the batsman's end by Abhinav Mukund.
The Indians appealed and Bell was give out after replays had shown that the ball had not gone for four. However, in a magnanimous gesture, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni called back Bell after the tea break.
News Posted: 1 August, 2011
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