"But with the guys we've got coming in, if they're there for an hour they will score at a decent rate and try to put as much pressure on Australia as possible.
"We'd like to win the first hour tomorrow morning and get up somewhere near 350."
Bell was eager to place his own achievements in the context of the game at large and the team's goals, that is the England way under Andy Flower, but he also allowed himself a moment of individual pride.
When told he had emulated Hobbs, Hammond and Broad, not to mention earned his fourth entry on the famous Lord's honours board, he said: "It's absolutely incredible, I've only just found that out now.
"It's a real honour to be with those kind of names and (to do it) playing at Lord's as well. It's a special place when you get your name on that honours board.
"It's always an incredible place when you do well, really special.
"Some days you get yourself to 30 then get out but when it's your time you've got to try and cash in and hopefully the last two times I've done that."
Bell was also quick to praise Jonny Bairstow's resolve after he was clean bowled by Peter Siddle on 21 only to be reprieved due to a no-ball and go on to reach 67.
"He composed himself well in a tricky situation," said Bell.
"I would've thought it's quite a nice feeling if you get called back when your middle stump is on the floor.
"But he did really well to gather himself, that was a good knock for us today."
