Bell wants lead of 150-plus

Batsman Ian Bell is all but banking on a lead of 150-plus on day three of England's fourth Test against India at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday.
Batsman Ian Bell is all but banking on a lead of 150-plus on day three of England's fourth Test against India at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday.
Day two was severely curtailed by rain, as the home side moved to 237 for six in response to the tourists' 152 all out. Bell enjoyed a tidy half-century and all-rounder Joe Root later delivered an unbeaten 48.
"It is poised very nicely. Hopefully on Saturday we can get past a 150 lead, which would put us in a nice position. So far it has been a great Test match, probably the best cricket wicket we have had all season – good pace, good to bat on – something there for everyone," said Bell.
The English had slipped to 140 for five before Root and wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler orchestrated a rearguard alliance, which is currently unbroken on 67. Saturday, provided the inclement weather stays away, will bring the opportunity to develop this.
"Hopefully the sun is shining and it's good to bat. Overheads make a big difference but they certainly are a pair that can take this game forward for us. If the likes of Buttler bat for a period of time, they are going to score at a rate," added Bell. "We've got two good young guys there who can move this game forward for us."
Latest
-
News
England’s Dom Bess thinks pitch for Friday’s warm-up won’t be repeated in series
England finally took to the pitch in Hambantota for a low-key workout between Team Root and Team Buttler.
-
News
Proteas name Test squad for Pakistan tour
South Africa have named a 21-man touring party for the two-Test series in Pakistan.
-
News
Smith makes distinction between out of runs and out of form
Steve Smith put paid to the suggestion he was out of form with a fighting hundred against India.
-
News
England warm-up under way in Sri Lanka
The touring squad has returned a second round of clear Covid-19 tests following Moeen Ali’s positive result.
-
News
Jack Leach awaiting Covid vaccine news after ‘scary’ vulnerable classification
The England spinner takes medication for Crohn’s disease, leaving his immune system weakened.
-
News
Jonny Bairstow ready to tap into Jacques Kallis class during Sri Lanka tour
The England batsman is enthused about working with the Proteas great.
-
News
Heather Knight to lead England in ‘historic’ Pakistan tour
England Women will play two T20s and three ODIs in Karachi later this year.
-
News
Claire Polosak makes history as first woman to officiate a men’s Test
Claire Polosak continues to blaze a trail for women in umpiring.
-
News
Pooran insists West Indies will be a T20 World Cup threat
You would be foolish to discount the West Indies in the short format despite their poor run of late.
-
News
Andrew Balbirnie excited about Ireland’s year ahead
Ireland will play seven internationals in January, the same as the whole of 2020.