Bell chimes for England against South Africa

Ian Bell fell painfully short of a double century at Lord's but his Test-best 199 left England in a commanding position against South Africa on the second day of their series opener on Friday.

The Proteas, when rain forced an early close, were seven without loss in reply to England's first innings 593 for eight declared, a deficit of 586.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith, who'd opted to field after winning the toss, was two not out and Neil McKenzie five not out.

Bell did something few England batsmen have managed in recent years - upstage the South Africa-born Kevin Pietersen who earlier made 152 in his first Test innings against the Proteas.

His innings was all the more impressive as Bell had arrived at Lord's under pressure for his England place after making just 45 runs in his four previous Test innings and knowing Andrew Flintoff's return from injury was imminent.

Bell completed his 150 in classic style by driving Steyn straight down the ground for four into the pavilion fence.

Hopes both England's centurions would bat through the morning session ended when Pietersen's gloved hook off Morkel was caught down the leg-side by wicket-keeper Mark Boucher.