Cook and Bell lead England dominance

Ian Bell celebrates his 12th hundred

Centuries from Alistair Cook and Ian Bell put England in a commanding position after day three of the fifth Ashes test in Sydney.

Resuming on 167-3, the tourists soon lost nightwatchman James Anderson for 7 before the out-of-form Paul Collingwood was the victim of Michael Beer's first test wicket.

But Cook and Bell put on 154 for the sixth wicket with the opener scoring 189 and Bell wading in with his first century of the series.

Both Cook and Bell fell before the close but a brisk 54* from Matt Prior made sure England remained in control on 488-7, a lead of 208.

It was a day that summed up the series the whole series with England's batsmen firmly on top against some average Australian bowling and now a 3-1 Ashes victory to the tourists looks imminent.

The day wasn't without it's controversial moments, though, as Phil Hughes and Bell were in the limelight for different reasons.

Hughes claimed a catch to dismiss Cook only for the TV replays to show that the ball had clearly bounced while Bell asked for a review when given out edged behind but the replays failed to spot any clear deviation and Bell was reprieved.

Phil Hughes claims a catch but replays shows the ball clearly bounced

However Snicko, which can't be used because of the time it takes to generate, clearly showed that the Worcestershire batsmen nicked the ball and therefore should have been given out.

But Bell remained and soon went on to score his 12th test hundred to help put his side in complete control of the final test.