Cook and Bell steer England into winning position

Bell with 106*
By Sam Hathaway
July 28 2006

Centurys from Cook and Bell have steered England into a winning position tonight with England declaring just before the end of the days play. England had 4 overs to bowl at Pakistan tonight but Steve Harmison looked uncomfortable after bowling a wayward ball and injuring his side in the process.

But England fans shouldn't worry as Harmison kept telling the England physio he was ok when fielding on the boundary after his over. Although Harmison looked alright, he didn't bowl the last over and was taken off but we are led to believe it was nothing serious.

England started the day poorly with Kevin Pietersen edging to the slips in the first over.

Paul Collingwood looked comfortable again on 48 and was looking set to make 50 but messed a hook shot up and planted the ball straight to square leg.

Alastair Cook was once again really impressive and is cementing a place in England side with another 100. He looked comfortable throughout his innings but struggled to get his century in the end as he nervously got through the nineties.

Jones was struggling yet again and recieved a nasty blow on his finger from Mohammad Sami after he failed to pick out a short of the length ball. He fell shortly after, LBW and walked back to the Pavillion for just 8 runs.

Mahmood looked in good nick and showed that he can be useful with the bat. He made a good partnership with Bell but later fell.

Monty and Bell wraped up the innings and captain Andrew Strauss called the lads in on a lead of 342.

Harmison and Hoggard came out to bowl 4 overs between them but Mahmood bowled the last of the remaining 4 due to Harmison going off.

Lets hope England can hit Pakistan early in the morning.