England led India by 75 runs after the home side were skittled out for 241 with the Coventrian taking one catch.
When England batted to loud support from the Barmy Army, Alistair Cook was out for nine before Bell was caught by Doni to take the score to 42-2.
Kevin Pietersen was out for a single but Andrew Strauss (72no) and Paul Collingwood (60no) put on a undefeated stand of 129 to put England on 172-3 and 247 runs ahead at the close.