England on top as Bell hits century

Resuming on 309 for three after being put into bat on the opening day, England were hopeful of making a first-innings score in excess of 400 for the first time in 13 Tests.

They achieved that with Pietersen and Bell forging a stunning 286-run fourth-wicket stand, but Paul Collingwood's bad run of luck continued when he was given out controversially as England progressed to 422 for five at lunch on the second day at Lord's.

Resuming on 75, Bell took his time but reached the magical three figures midway through the morning session, bringing it up with a cover drive through extra cover for two off Jacques Kallis and celebrating with a jump into the air.

Reaching his first century in the first innings for 16 Tests soon freed up Bell from the tension which surrounded his progress to three figures and he marched down the wicket to drive left-arm spinner Paul Harris down the ground for four to bring up the magical figure of 400.

But in the next over the partnership was finally broken when Pietersen (152) attempted a pull off Morne Morkel, but gloved his shot down the leg side and Mark Boucher held on to the catch.

Pietersen's partnership with Bell was England's fourth best stand for the fourth wicket in Test history and signalled the arrival of Collingwood at the crease.

Durham all-rounder Collingwood needed runs more than ever following the success of rival Bell, and signalled his intent by getting off the mark with a pull for four off Morkel.

However, Collingwood was unable to escape the bad run of luck he has endured recently and fell foul of a desperate decision by umpire Billy Bowden just two days after the resumption for a short delay for rain.

Pushing forward defensively to Harris, Bowden upheld an appeal for a catch at short leg by Hashim Amla when television replays clearly suggested the ball had missed his bat and rebounded straight off the pad.