Bell, who came into the side only because of captain Michael Vaughan's withdrawal due to a knee injury, scored a solid 71 to put England in a strong position.

He put on 180 for the second wicket with stand-in skipper Marcus Trescothick (135 not out) as England posted 253-3 in their first innings at stumps on the second day in reply to Pakistan's 274.

"Obviously with Vaughans injury and me not expecting to play this Test, it is a big one and it is nice for me to regain confidence," said the 23-year-old Warwickshire batsman.

Bell was in danger of losing his place after managing just 171 in the five Ashes Tests.

He also failed in England's tour-opener at Rawalpindi, scoring two and one. Had Vaughan been fit he would have been the one to face the axe.

But Bell said he had been ready to take any possible chances.

"I got myself prepared just in case the opportunity came around. Really I want to establish myself in the team and work hard for that," said Bell, whose only Test century came against Bangladesh before the Ashes series.

"I realise that there are a lot of guys vying for places and I understood why I was going to be left out of this Test match. It is nice to work hard and get runs."

Bell, bowled off a no-ball from paceman Shaoib Akhtar on 62, said it was a lapse in concentration.

"At the time I was so focused and watching the ball that I did not realise the screen was still positioned for round the wicket for Trescothick. I did not pick the delivery at all but luckily it was a no-ball," said Bell.

He was finally dismissed by part-time off-spinner Shoaib Malik, caught at short-leg by Salman Butt in the last session.

Bell was fill of praise for Trescothick, saying the captain was instrumental in pressing home the advantage won by Andrew Flintoff (4-68) and Steve Harmison (3-37).

"Trescothick was fantastic and really helped me out there. He made sure we capitalised on the good work of the bowlers," he said.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)