England's Ian Bell fired an unbeaten 95 as Division Two leaders Warwickshire battled their way back on day two of their match against Gloucestershire.

The visitors looked well placed to build a big total, resuming on 190-2, but New Zealand paceman Chris Martin took 5-84 to bowl them out for 336.

Another Kiwi, Hamish Marshall, was Gloucestershire's top scorer with 121.

In reply, Bell led the way for the hosts, striking 14 fours in his 136-ball knock as they closed on 143-2.

Bell, with an eye on a good score in the build-up to the first Test against South Africa next week, was at his measured best from the outset, showing superb timing in bringing his first 50 up from 66 balls.

He had come to the crease after Steve Kirby had stand-in opener Michael Powell neatly caught at second slip and even though Navdeep Poonia fell lbw for 26 late in the day to Marcus North, Bell's knock ensures honours are even at Edgbaston going into day three.

Earlier, Gloucestershire batted on for almost two sessions, but lost their last eight wickets for 146 runs.

Martin again impressed with his pace on a slow surface, and he found able support in the form of Chris Woakes and Neil Carter to leave bottom side Gloucestershire no doubt frustrated they were unable to make the most of their good overnight position.