Kevin Pietersen hailed Ian Bell for wresting the initiative from Australia in the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge and defended Stuart Broad from allegations of bad sportsmanship.
Bell’s disciplined 95 not out helped take Ashes-holders England to 326 for six in their second innings at stumps on Friday’s third day, a lead of 261 runs.
Together with Broad, 47 not out, Bell had so far added an unbroken 108 for the seventh wicket.
It was a potentially decisive partnership, with the most runs ever scored by a side in the fourth innings to win a Test at Trent Bridge the 284 for six England made against New Zealand at the Nottingham ground in 2004.
The tourists were, however, adamant Broad should have been out on 37 when he edged teenage debutant spinner Ashton Agar to Australia captain Michael Clarke at first slip.
But experienced umpire Aleem Dar, whose view may have been obscured by the gloves of wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, gave Broad not out.