Body language is key to Bell's scoring streak

LEEDS, England, Aug 5 (Reuters) England's Ian Bell put his success against Pakistan down to improving his mental approach and his body language rather than his batting technique today.

''Being more positive in the one-dayers (against Sri Lanka) was a real help to me,'' the 24-year-old told a news conference at Headingley after scoring a third century in successive tests on the second day of the third test.

''I think body language does represent quite a lot. I think that gives off a lot of signs, especially to the opposition, how you walk out and even when you are out in the middle and you play and miss.

''I don't want to go over the line and be arrogant but you want that self-belief. I'm just trying to show the bowlers I'm in charge, I guess.'' Bell was not selected for the two tests against Sri Lanka at the start of the English season but then recalled for the one-day series against Sri Lanka, when England were crushed 5-0 prior to the Pakistan series.

The 24-year-old, who made 119 out of England first innings of 515 and now averages 176.5 for the series, added: ''I suppose, to be honest, it's a question of convincing the opposition as well as myself.

''It's going out there believing in your own ability but the main thing is probably showing them you mean business.'' He said he had believed he would only play in the first match of the series when Andrew Flintoff was injured but he was glad to have taken his chance after Flintoff broke down again with ankle trouble.

Pakistan, seeking to level the four-match series at 1-1, ended the day on 202 for two.

Mohammad Yousuf, who made 91 not out after putting on an unbroken stand of 166 with Younis Khan (64 not out), said: ''It has become a flat pitch. It will be hard tomorrow but if we play two sessions tomorrow hopefully we will save the game.

''We played very bad cricket at Old Trafford (where England won the second test by an innings and 120 runs). We were hurt.

We talked a lot about it and we're trying hard here to come back.'' REUTERS DH KP0035