England Must Be Patient on Second Day of the Second Ashes Test

Ian Bell believes England will need 'a lot of patience' if they are to maintain the upper hand in the second Ashes Test against Australia at Adelaide.

After England had finished day one on 266 for three, Bell admitted: "It was a good day for us, and just what we needed after Brisbane. We needed to start really well. It was a good toss to win. The wicket looked good, and now we want to get as many runs as we can.

"It's quite a slow wicket and it will be a slow-scoring game. With the field the Aussies set, we are going to need a lot of patience," he added. "It's a slow and spongy outfield - but we are set up nicely for tomorrow."

Bell, who relished his confrontation with Shane Warne, made 60 towards the England cause on a day which finished with Paul Collingwood on 98 not out.

"It's always a challenge with Warney," the Warwickshire batsman added. "It was a good fight, and I enjoyed it. I enjoy playing against the best side in the world and scoring runs. I'm happy with how I'm playing and enjoying it." Bell is looking forward to watching Collingwood complete his century tomorrow. "He's enjoyed himself out there and played well. It would have been nice to get 100 tonight - but I'm sure we he will get in tomorrow," he said.