Bell notches elusive first Ashes century

 (AFP) SYDNEY — It took 18 Tests but Ian Bell finally banished a nagging personal Ashes failure on Wednesday by scoring his first century against Australia in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The elegant right-hander, whose previous best against Australia was 87 in Perth over four years ago, reached the landmark with two runs off leg-spinner Steven Smith almost 30 minutes before third day stumps.

Bell’s 115 and Alastair Cook’s 189 lifted England into a winning position at 488 for seven at the close for a lead of 208 runs with two days left.

The tourists retained the Ashes last week by winning the Melbourne Test, but Wednesday’s dominant batting performance has put them in a strong position to record their first series win in Australia for 24 years.

Bell’s first Ashes hundred came after 11 half-centuries in 31 innings against Australia.

But he needed some luck along the way and benefited from a reviewed decision after he was given out caught behind on 67 off Shane Watson by umpire Aleem Dar.

Replays could not show any mark on the “hot spot” technology and Dar reversed his decision.

Channel Nine’s “snicko” device, not available to the match officials, suggested a thin edge, and Bell’s century was greeted with boos from the home faithful among a crowd of 40,300.

“Belly said he wasn’t sure and that’s why he referred it,” his batting partner Cook said.

“He didn’t feel it and hot spot didn’t show it, he’s not sure if he hit it. We don’t know if snicko (technology) is entirely right.

Cook said Bell would have walked if he thought he had edged the ball as the technology at the umpires disposal will make a player look foolish to refer an obvious decision.

“I don’t think any players are trying to bluff technology. I think you can end up with egg on your face if you try to do it,” he said.

The Warwickshire right-hander, who batted for 296 minutes, was also dropped on 84 by Smith off his own bowling.

“It’s a little tick on an already outstanding career. He’s grown over the last 12 months into a fantastic batter, his runs and stats are phenomenal over the last year,” Cook said.