Ian Bell's second hundred in three matches guided England into a commanding position on the fourth day of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Rose Bowl here yesterday.

Sri Lanka in their second innings were 112 for three in reply to England's first innings 377 for eight declared, a deficit of 81 runs, at stumps.


England's Ian Bell celebrates scoring a century on Day 4 of the 3rd Test
against Sri Lanka. PIC/AFP

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara was 44 not out and nightwatchman Rangana Herath two not out.

Bell finished on 119 not out ufffd the first Test hundred at the Rose Bowl ufffd following his unbeaten 103 in England's innings and 14-run first Test victory in Cardiff.

Together with Eoin Morgan, who made a breezy 71, he shared a sixth-wicket stand of 137 against a flagging Sri Lanka attack badly missing retired greats Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga, not to mention the injured Nuwan Pradeep.

England resumed yesterday on 195 for four, a lead of 11 that owed much to a fluent 85 from Kevin Pietersen, who had come in with England struggling at 14 for two.

England lead the three-match series 1-0.