13 Jul 2013

Bell knock puts England on top

5:57 am on 13 July 2013

The England cricketers have gained the upper hand in the first Ashes test against Australia thanks to a dogged 95 not out from batmsan Ian Bell.

At stumps England are 326 for six in their second innings, a lead of 261 runs.

Bell and Stuart Broad shared an unbroken century partnership on a compelling third day, in an atmosphere of great tension at Trent Bridge.

Controversy erupted in the final session when Broad edged young spinner Ashton Agar to Michael Clarke at first slip via the gloves of wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

Umpire Aleem Dar did not give the all-rounder out and he refused to 'walk' as he left the tourists, who had used up their two referrals, fuming.

Bell was dropped by a diving Haddin moments later and tensions spilled over on the pitch.

England will now look to push their lead beyond 300 overnight.