199 curse hits Bell as England in top gear

LONDON  - Ian Bell fell agonisingly short of a double century at Lord's but his Test-best 199 left England in a commanding position against South Africa on the second day of their series opener here Friday.

The Proteas, when rain forced an early close, were seven without loss in reply to England's first innings 593 for eight declared, a deficit of 586.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith, who'd opted to field after winning the toss, was two not out and Neil McKenzie five not out.

Bell did something few England batsman have managed in recent years - upstage the South Africa-born Kevin Pietersen who earlier made 152 in his first Test innings against the Proteas.

His innings was all the more impressive as Bell had arrived at Lord's under pressure for his England place after making just 45 runs in his four previous Test innings and knowing Andrew Flintoff's return from injury was imminent.

But the 26-year-old, whose century was his eighth in 40 Tests, maintained the form he'd shown in making 215 for Warwickshire against Gloucestershire during a recent County Championship match.

England, who'd resumed Friday on 309 for three with Pietersen 104 not out and Bell unbeaten on 75, started the final session on 535 for six.

Bell was then 171 not out and fast bowler Stuart Broad, belying his status as a No8, 54 not out.

Some of left-hand bat Broad's cover-drives off fast bowler Morne Morkel were worthy of his father Chris, the former England opening batsman.

For the second match in a row, the 22-year-old Broad posted a Test-best score, beating the 64 he made against New Zealand at Trent Bridge last month.

Together with Bell, he shared an England record seventh-wicket stand against South Africa of 152, overtaking the 115 put on Johnny Douglas and Morice (eds note: correct) Bird at Durban in 1913/14.

But on 76 he played round a straight ball from spinner Paul Harris, having faced 124 balls with 10 fours.