Bell ton rescues Eng

Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris (R) celebrates after taking the wicket of England captain Alastair Cook on the third day of the fourth Ashes Test in Chester-le-Street yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

Ian Bell's third hundred of this Ashes series rescued England from another top-order collapse and left them well-placed at stumps on Sunday's third day of the fourth Test at Chester-le-Street.
England were 234 for five in their second innings, a lead of 202 runs, with Bell 105 not out and nightwatchman Tim Bresnan unbeaten on four.
They'd been in dire straits at 49 for three when Bell, who earlier in his Test career was criticised for not making runs when they were most needed, came to the crease following a treble strike by fast bowler Ryan Harris.
But a fourth-wicket partnership of 106 between Bell and Kevin Pietersen (44) checked Australia's advance.
Bell then added 66 with Jonny Bairstow (28) before the Yorkshireman was out shortly before stumps, caught behind off spinner Nathan Lyon.
Having twice made 109 in England's victories at Trent Bridge and Lord's that left them 2-0 up ahead of the drawn third Test at Old Trafford that saw his side retain the Ashes, Bell's latest century gave the hosts hope of securing a win in this match that would see them take the five-match series outright.
Harris took three England top-order wickets for 18 runs in 24 balls.
He first bowled Joe Root (two) with a superb seaming delivery that clipped the top of off stump.
And, with conditions still overcast, he had England captain Alastair Cook, on 22, nicking a loose drive to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
Jonathan Trott then gloved Harris and was well caught down the legside by a leaping Haddin for 23.
Earlier, England dismissed Australia for 270, the tourists held to a slender first innings lead of 32.
Australia resumed Sunday on 222 for five, with Rogers 101 not out following the 35-year-old left-handed opener's maiden Test hundred on Saturday, made in the face of excellent seam bowling from Stuart Broad, who finished the innings with five wickets for 71 runs.
Rogers had added just nine when, pushing forward defensively to off-spinner Graeme Swann, he was brilliantly caught off glove and pad for 110 by wicketkeeper Matt Prior, diving in front of the stumps, although England had to review umpire Tony Hill's original not out decision.