Ian Bell hit his 10th Test century as England reached 440-8 at stumps on day three of the second Test with Bangladesh in Mirpur.
The Warwickshire man began the day unbeaten on 25 and played superbly, before finally falling for 138, to put England in a position of relative strength with a lead of 21 over the Asians on another blisteringly hot day at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.
Jonathan Trott was unable to capitalise on the work he put in on day two and failed to add to his overnight 64, falling in just the second over of the day to Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan.
Bell continued to work the ball around, with plenty of ones and twos, as well as 15 fours and a six in his 262-ball knock.
Matt Prior provided some acceleration with 62 from 79 deliveries but, when he was bowled by Shakib, the scoring rate dipped as Tim Bresnan joined Bell at the crease.
Bresnan ended the day unbeaten on 74 but his runs came from 214 deliveries with just five fours and it was, at times, less-than-inspiring batting against the weakest Test playing nation.
Bell perished towards the close of play, trying to hit Shakib over mid-wicket before Graeme Swann was run out for six and Stuart Broad trapped in front by Mahmudullah for three.
The hosts fought back well with Shakib taking 4-99 from an amazing 57 overs with 27 maidens, and he will hope to finish off the England tail on Tuesday.
Bresnan will begin day four just 26 runs short of a maiden Test century but England may well have thrown away the chance to take the series 2-0 with a scoring rate of just 2.85 throughout the innings on a pitch that still looks good for batting.