Lack of opportunity concerns Bell

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Bell disappointed to miss out on England place

Ian Bell admits regaining his England place will not be easy after he was left out of the first Test at Lord's.

"There's not a lot of time and opportunity there to go and score big hundreds in four-day cricket," he said.

"There's a lot of one-day cricket and Twenty20 which hamstrings you a little trying to get back in the Test team.

"Just because I'm not picked now does not mean I won't play in the Ashes and I've got to keep believing, and if I keep scoring runs I've got a chance."

The 27-year-old batsman, who was dropped during the series in the West Indies in February, scored two centuries in two matches at the start of the season for Warwickshire, but knows he will have to produce something special to regain his place before the Ashes starts in Cardiff on 8 July.

"The message I got coming back from the West Indies was to score big hundreds and make sure you hit the ground running, which is what I thought I'd done," he lamented.

606: DEBATE The fact is Bell could be our best player but a perfect 25 - 30 is not good enough I completely agree with the omissions and brave selections gentlemanrhinofan

"So I thought I was in a good position, but I now have to keep working and keep scoring runs in county cricket."

One man who has been given an opportunity is Yorkshire all-rounder Tim Bresnan, who made his England debut aged 21 in 2006 and has played five one-day internationals.

"I've been bowling well in one-day cricket," he said of his possible Test debut. "I don't know what the difference is, maybe a few injuries, but I've just got to take this chance and grab it with both hands.

"I know what the set up is all about so hopefully I should fit in. It's every young boy's dream, so if I get picked to actually be finally doing it will be fantastic."

Another who has been given an opportunity is Durham seamer Graham Onions, who is poised to make his Test debut at the home of cricket, and warmed up by taking 6-31 against Somerset.

"It'll be great to play at Lord's, and to play there with England will be the pinnacle," he told BBC Tees.

"It's a very exciting time and I can't wait to be involved."

Regarding the omission of county colleague Steve Harmison he added: "Steve has been involved for many years now and he's been one of England's best bowlers.

"I'm disappointed I can't be with him in the squad, but I know Steve pretty well and I'm sure he'll be back."