It’s all to play for, says England star Bell

IAN BELL admitted he was surprised by the way the Brit Oval pitch played on the opening day of the decisive fifth npower Ashes Test yesterday.

England need to win the Test match to regain the Ashes and a result at least looks likely after the hosts had battled their way to 307 for eight at the close.

Bell led the way with 72 and while England may have hoped to have been in a better position after at one stage being 176 for two, the Warwickshire right-hander believes a score over 300 may prove useful on a pitch that looks set to deteriorate.