Trott books Test spot with ton

Jonathan Trott wrote his name into England's Test side with a measured century against Bangladesh A as England declared 79 runs ahead on day two of the three-day warm-up in Chittagong.

Trott's place was not thought to be entirely secure but his assured 101, exactly half of the hosts' first-innings total, before retiring means his spot is now safe.

Matt Prior, with a confident 69 not out, and Ian Bell (48) also spent valuable time at the crease as England improved their overnight 68 for three to 281 for seven in 58 overs.

The match is unlikely to be awarded first-class status after the injured Syed Rasel was replaced by Mahbubul Alam at the start of play, no doubt a source of some frustration to Trott and James Tredwell, who yesterday collected six wickets.

Dollar Mahmud bowled the first over of the morning and Bell was confident enough to take on the short ball, pulling him for four.

Trott also scored an early boundary, clipping Robiul Islam to the ropes at third man in the second over.

The scoring was less frequent thereafter, with the fourth-wicket pair seemingly bedding down for a long time in the middle. Trott was on 42 when Dollar went up for a big lbw shout but there was a suggestion of bat and the decision was not given.

Having kept it relatively tight for much of his opening spell, Robiul shipped three fours in the 28th over as England moved into three figures. Two of those went to Trott, with the second - a neat flick to fine leg - bringing up a 76-ball half-century.

Kevin Pietersen will have been none too pleased to see the arrival of Mehrab Hossain, the left-arm spinner who needed only one ball to remove him on Sunday, dealt with so comfortably.

Having already seen Roqibul Hasan out of the attack after an over, both batsman worked Mehrab around the wicket as they continued their untroubled stand.