Brilliant Bell denied double ton

He appeared set to give a packed crowd reason to hail a major milestone for the second successive day, after Kevin Pietersen's hundred against his native country on Thursday. Instead, he fell to a return catch by former Warwickshire club-mate Paul Harris - in an England total of 593 for eight declared.

Bell shared record England stands against South Africa of 286 for the fourth wicket with Pietersen (152) and then 152 for the seventh with Stuart Broad (76). There was time too, before rain and bad light brought an early close to day two, for the tourists to begin their reply with seven for none in 3.2 overs.

The 336-ball innings contained 20 fours and a memorable straight six off Harris, and he was the chief architect of South Africa's misery.

After Pietersen had finally gone in the morning - having also struck 20 fours and a six - Bell easily took over the mantle and played some serene shots.

They included a resounding blow down the ground off Dale Steyn for the four which brought up his 150.

The England number five, who had come into this match under pressure to make runs, timed the ball with precision throughout.

He therefore prolonged the South Africa attack's suffering - made all the worse for them by the knowledge captain Graeme Smith had invited his hosts to bat first.

Young fast bowler Morne Morkel (four for 121) and slow left-armer Harris (three for 129) were responsible for the majority of the England wickets, albeit at significant cost.

Bell is the seventh batsman in Test history to be out for 199, and the first Englishman.