Ian Bell lays down early marker for regular one-day place

Bell has arguably been in the form of his career during England's tour to Australia and hit his third century since arriving Down Under at the Manuka Oval with an imperious unbeaten 124 from 102 balls. It served as a convincing audition for a regular role in a side which has a queue of candidates attempting to force their way in ahead of the two Twenty20 games and seven one-day internationals against Australia.

Despite his form, Bell is not a regular in the shorter formats of the game, having not played a Twenty20 in almost three years, while he has been in and out of the ODI team during the past 12 months. However, places are hard to come by, with Bell only getting his chance today at the top of the order in place of rested skipper Andrew Strauss.

With Kevin Pietersen also gunning to win back the place he lost during the summer series against Pakistan, competition is fierce ahead of next month's World Cup and Bell knows he must take every chance that comes along.

"I'm not established in this one-day team yet and I want to nail that down and be a part of this England squad for a while," he said. "I feel in good form, but that doesn't last forever. I can't sit back, there's a lot of work to do because I want to be a part of this team in Test cricket and one-day cricket for a long time.

"In all forms of the game we have good competition. I think this series (against Australia] is going to be like the Ashes."

Michael Yardy led a slightly rusty bowling display with three for 33 as the youthful Prime Minister's XI, who were watched by Australia Prime Minister Julia Gillard, posted a competitive target of 258 in a rain-reduced 43 overs.

But Bell's hundred, as well as 48 from Jonathan Trott, ensured a wholly satisfying day for the tourists.