Bell rings out case for England No 3 spot with positive display

Warwickshire's Ian Bell today staked his claim for an England place and put the champions in control against Glamorgan at Edgbaston in the First Division.

Warwickshire's Ian Bell today staked his claim for an England place and put the champions in control against Glamorgan at Edgbaston in the First Division.

Warwickshire trailed the visitors' first-innings total by 130 runs, but ended the day at 415 for 4 after Bell hit 96. Michael Powell was 144 not out at stumps, but Bell's innings stood out, with the 23-year-old hoping to be selected for the one slot in the England Test team expected to be available.

Bell was eventually trapped leg before after playing back to the spinner Robert Croft, and Warwickshire will start today 217 runs ahead with six first-innings wickets remaining.

Mike Yardy hit a measured century as Sussex made progress against Surrey at The Oval. On a rain-affected day, the visitors resumed on 171 for 4 with Yardy at the crease, and the left-hander went on to reach three figures before Rikki Clarke trapped him lbw for 111. Sussex were bowled out for 370 and the hosts were 6 for 1 in their first-innings reply at stumps.

In the Second Division Mike Hussey hit 253 for his new county, Durham, as they piled on the misery for Leicestershire at Grace Road. The visitors eventually declared on 523 for 8.

The hosts were then bowled out for 123 ­ with Liam Plunkett taking 5 for 43 ­ and followed on, ending the day without further loss but 390 runs behind.