Ian Bell struck the 10th Test century of his career as England established a slender 21-run lead over Bangladesh at stumps on day three of the second Test.

Bell, 25 overnight, put in an assured display over two-and-a-half energy-sapping sessions for 138 of England's 440 for eight.

Tim Bresnan, who shared a 143-run stand with Bell, reached 74 not out in only his second Test innings.

Bangladesh, who posted 419, had harboured genuine hopes of a workable lead of their own when Jonathan Trott fell for 64 in the third over of the day - but two clear umpiring mistakes went against them, as well as a handful of marginal calls, before three wickets in the final session raised their spirits.

Having sent down 15 maidens on Sunday, it was no surprise to see Shakib Al Hasan open for Bangladesh. The decision paid dividends almost immediately, with the spinner striking in his second visit to the crease.

Having stoically faced 187 deliveries on day two, Trott was out off his eighth ball of the morning, bowled after a ricochet off pad and elbow. That left England on 174 for four - still 245 behind and doubtless pondering their decision to sacrifice Michael Carberry for an extra bowler at the start of the match.

In the absence of a sixth specialist batsman, Matt Prior was in at six and was fortunate not to be given lbw after Rubel Hossain found some late reverse swing. However, the wicketkeeper-batsman was soon into his stride and had progressed to 62 when he danced down the track to Shakib, missed one that turned and lost his middle stump.

Having survived what looked a good bat-pad catch, Bresnan batted compactly, while Bell lingered in the late nineties for several overs before steering Rubel beyond point to bring up his century with his 11th boundary.

Bresnan brought up his maiden Test 50 in fitting fashion by punching Shakib back over his head for four.

England were just four away from parity when Bell holed out trying to speed the game along after a period of slow scoring - Shakib picking up his fourth wicket - and Graeme Swann (six) and Stuart Broad (three) were both dismissed before the close.