Bell closes on double ton

Ian Bell was on course for a chanceless, maiden double-hundred in England colours by lunch on day three against Australia A at the Bellerive Oval.

Bell (170no) dominated a sixth-wicket stand of 240 with Paul Collingwood (89) and was still in situ as England ploughed on to 445 for seven - and a lead of 215 - in this final warm-up match before next week's first Ashes Test.

He had appeared entirely in control throughout Thursday - and with 198 already in his and Collingwood's joint account at start of play on the penultimate morning, the continuation was seamless.

Bell duly completed the double-hundred partnership, with a square-driven four off Mark Cameron in the third over of the day.

There was no hint of a wicket for Australia A, until Clint McKay decided to alter his length to Collingwood and immediately got him in a tangle.

One bouncer sailed high over the batsman, was called a wide and needed an athletic jump by wicketkeeper Tim Paine to stop more extras. But the next slid on much more quickly and lower to hit Collingwood on the helmet - and two balls later an unbalanced, front-footed pull ended only in an edge behind.

It was an ugly end to a thoroughly competent and important 177-ball stay which contained 10 fours and one six.

After a breezy 27, Matt Prior also went in disappointing fashion. He had just crunched a straight-drive back at Steve Smith, resulting in a third-umpire referral for a run-out call against Bell after the leg-spinner deflected the ball on to the stumps.

Bell survived that rare scare in his unblemished innings. But Prior was gone next ball when he aimed a big hit over the top at Smith and miscued to be caught at point.

By the end of the session, England were already approaching declaration territory - increasingly unlikely to have to bat again here - waiting probably only on the apparent inevitability of Bell's 200. Having started this morning on 121, he finished it with 21 fours and a six to his name from 247 balls.