Bell hits century as England stretch lead

Ian Bell hit a century as England stretched their lead on the fourth day of the second Test against South Africa at Kingsmead on Tuesday.

Bell hits century as England stretch lead

Ian Bell hit a century as England stretched their lead on the fourth day of the second Test against South Africa at Kingsmead on Tuesday.

England were 513 for six at lunch, a first innings lead of 170, with Bell unbeaten on 119.

Bell and Matt Prior (60) put on 112 for the sixth wicket in a partnership which wrecked South African hopes of making a breakthrough early in the day and ensuring that the deficit would be less than 100 runs.

Bell and Prior had no difficulty in seeing off Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, South Africa's main strike bowlers, at the start of play.

With the pitch playing easily under an overcast sky, South African captain Graeme Smith was soon forced on the defensive.

Bell and Prior gradually increased the tempo and Prior seemed set to go on a major assault when he raised a 77-ball half-century with a six off left-arm spin bowler Paul Harris.

He hit one more boundary but was then bowled by off-spinner JP Duminy when he chopped an attempted cut onto his stumps.

Bell, whose place as a number six batsmen had been questioned by several commentators because it left England with only four specialist bowlers, justified the confidence shown in him by the team management with a composed, confident innings.

After posting his fifty on Monday off 65 balls, Bell was more circumspect on Tuesday, reaching his ninth century off 172 deliveries when he went down the pitch and lofted Harris over mid-on for his eighth four. He also hit a six.

It was Bell's first Test century since he made 199 against South Africa at Lord's in July 2008.

England batsman Paul Collingwood, who made 91 on Monday, dislocated his left index finger during fielding practice before play. He was sent for X-rays which revealed no fracture.

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