ENGLAND'S top-scorer Ian Bell admitted to mixed feelings after making his fourth half-century of this winter's Ashes but once again failing to go on to three figures in Sydney today.

Bell made 71 out of England's first-day 234 for four, after the tourists chose to bat first in their bid to avoid the ignominy of a first Ashes whitewash since 1920/21.

England's number three shared a stand of 108 with Hampshire's Kevin Pietersen before both went in quick succession - leaving captain Andrew Flintoff and Paul Collingwood to bat through until bad light brought an early close on a day also shortened by rain.

Bell reflected with some satisfaction as well as just a tinge of regret, having come through some tough conditions early on only to lose his wicket when apparently set.

''It did a bit - and credit to Australia, because I thought they bowled really well,'' Bell said on Sky Sports.

''There was a period when Kevin and I were out there and they made it hard work - which we had to get through.'' As for his own contribution, Bell conceded he once again had not quite finished the job.

''It is something I will look back on and be pretty disappointed,'' he said.

''I wanted to go on and score hundreds here. Even though I am pleased with the way I have played, it is disappointing not to go on and get a hundred again.

''It is a nice problem to have, getting past 50 - but it is something I need to look at, because the top players in the world do go on.'' Bell reported the England camp largely satisfied with their efforts on a cloudy day - while Australia coach John Buchanan said: ''We would have liked to have got one or two more wickets.'' Veteran fast bowler Glenn McGrath struck twice for the hosts in a match which will see the end of his and Shane Warne's glorious careers, as well as that of Justin Langer.

Buchanan still harbours hopes of a celebratory victory, as Australia scent the whitewash.

''England played resolutely through the day - but I think it is about 'even stevens', '' he said.

''We are all scratching our heads at the plays and misses, but that happens on a wicket that is doing a bit.

''Bell hung around and did a good job for them.''