Bell bounces back with century

Given just one warm-up match to make his point to coach Peter Moores and chairman of selectors David Graveney, Bell seized the opportunity in style to hit an unbeaten 131 off 121 balls and help England seal an 80-run victory over the Sri Lankan Board XI.

Bell hit 12 fours and four sixes in his innings and helped England recover from a slow start to reach a competitive 314 for four before the Board XI side, including eight internationals, slumped to 234 all out in reply.

Happy to be cautious at first while Kevin Pietersen dominated a 91-run stand off 58 balls by hitting a quickfire 50 off 29 balls, Bell accelerated as the innings reached its climax.

Having battled to 104 for one at the halfway stage and reached his half-century off 72 balls, he advanced to three figures in a further 37 deliveries and helped England add 90 in the final 10 overs.

Alastair Cook and Pietersen both went on to score fifties before James Anderson took three wickets to help seal a comfortable victory and Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Broad and Paul Collingwood all helped themselves to two wickets apiece.

Only Chamara Kapugedera, an emerging batsman, looked accomplished enough to trouble England before Anderson returned to end his innings of 75 off 87 balls and effectively finish the contest.