Bell cracks another ton

Ian Bell hit a third hundred in as many Tests against Pakistan at Headingley as England enjoyed the better of the early exchanges on day two.

Warwickshire batsman Bell, only playing in the npower series because of injury to Andrew Flintoff, followed up unbeaten centuries at Lord's and Old Trafford with 102 not out in a score of 406 for six.

It is the first instance of an Englishman reaching three figures in three consecutive matches since Graham Gooch did so against New Zealand and India 16 years ago.

The 24-year-old was rejoined in the middle by Kevin Pietersen, who retired hurt yesterday evening with cramp in his left forearm shortly after registering his own hundred.

There was one particular moment of concern for Bell when a Pietersen drive off Umar Gul deflected into the stumps at the non-striker's end off the bowler's hand.

Television umpire Nigel Llong deliberated for a few minutes before adjudging that the diving Bell, on 80, had his bat grounded as the stumps were broken.

He then raced to his latest landmark, getting there with an on-driven four off Mohammad Sami, to receive generous applause from the Leeds crowd and his team-mates on the balcony.

Bell has become a real nuisance to the Pakistanis, who have dismissed him just once to date and that by virtue of a run out in the second innings at Lord's.