Bell, Collingwood build big partnership

SYDNEY, Nov 18 (Reuters) Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood both smashed half-centuries in an unbroken partnership of 162 runs to put England in control on the second day of their tour match with South Australia today.

Bell was not out 82 with Collingwood on 77 when tea was taken at Adelaide Oval, with England on 196 for three in their first innings in reply to South Australia's 247-7 declared.

The tourists had made a shaky start to the day after resuming on 24-1, losing nightwatchman Matthew Hoggard for 10 then new opener Alastair Cook for 12 to slump to 34-3.

Hoggard failed to add to his overnight score when he nicked an outswinger from South Australia's express paceman Shaun Tait to wicketkeeper Shane Deitz.

Then Cook, who was promoted to opener when Marcus Trescothick walked out on the team this week after a bout of depression, was also caught behind when he tried to play a defensive shot off Jason Gillespie and got a thick edge.

Bell and Collingwood, who are both expected to play in next week's first Ashes test in Brisbane, survived a hostile spell from Tait and Gillespie before lunch then piled on the runs in the second session when South Australia decided to rest their frontline and bowl their spinners.

Bell, who had made a duck in his only previous innings on tour, spanked seven fours in his 82 while Collingwood hit six boundaries in his 77.

REUTERS AY BST1119