Bell now has two fifties in this Ashes series

Bell made a patient 60 as England finished on 266-3 in Adelaide.

"It was important after Brisbane to bat or bowl really well and we've certainly done that," said Bell.

"It looks a good wicket and we just wanted to get out there first and get as many runs as we could. It was a really good day."

Bell's innings came from 148 balls and the Warwickshire man attributed the sedate scoring rate to a slow pitch.

England would have been a little over 200 at stumps were it not for a typically belligerent knock from Kevin Pietersen, who was unbeaten on 60.

It's always a challenge against Warney, but I enjoy a good fight Ian Bell

Paul Collingwood was also there at the close of play, his gritty 98 coming from 202 balls.

"It's a slow wicket and I think it's going to be a slow-scoring game. The outfield is quite slow as well and a lot of patience is required," said Bell.

Bell, who was caught and bowled top-edging a Brett Lee bouncer, also said he had relished his latest battle with Shane Warne.

In a newspaper column ahead of the Test, Warne claimed he was "all over Bell" in Brisbane having dismissed him for a duck in the second innings.

But Bell played the leg-spinner confidently in Adelaide and put his success down to a change of technique.

"It's always a challenge against Warney, but I enjoy a good fight and playing against the best side in the world," said Bell.

"In the sub-continent last year I was working on getting right out in front of my pad and I'm happy with the way I'm playing at the minute.

"We've got to win the first session on Saturday and go from there."