Bell's happy memories of Old Trafford.

IAN Bell is back on happy hunting ground in Manchester this week when he aims to help Warwickshire clinch the Championship runners-up spot with victory over Lancashire.

In 2004, as the Bears closed in on the title, Bell scored a century in each innings - 112 and 181 - in a drawn game at Old Trafford, which inched Nick Knight's side nearer the crown.

It was only the 16th and, as it stands, last time that a Warwickshire player has scored two tons in a Championship match. Only two players - Dennis Amiss and Alvin Kallicharran - have achieved the feat twice, though it will be a surprise if Bell does not join that illustrious pair at some point in the future.

In the immediate term, his objective is simply to help the Bears to a victory which could secure them second place in the final Division One table. Warwickshire need 12 points to climb above Somerset, who currently lie second but have finished their fixtures, though they also need Nottinghamshire, who start the final round two points better off, to drop points against freefalling Sussex.

An intriguing contest at Old Trafford should attract decent crowds, not least after 4pm today when the cricket ground opens up 600 car parking spaces for spectators heading for Manchester United versus Wolves over the road.

Some of those are sure to pop in and see some post-tea cricket before heading over to watch Mick McCarthy's side gallantly take the cup tie into extra time.