Bell will lead the Lions in the four-day match against the Aussies at New Road, with the aim of staking his own claims for a recall to the senior set-up.

But he also wants the current shadow squad to send out a message of intent to Ricky Ponting's side for the forthcoming five-Test showdown which starts next week.

Bell said: "You want to win. But, win or lose, it is the impression we want to give out as players that is important. We want to play aggressive cricket.

"We see this as a step for Australia on the way to the Ashes series, so we want to play the type of cricket that England are looking to play in the Ashes.

"We want to play aggressively and put a marker down as to the kind of state English cricket is in.

"That's the kind of mentality we want to play with, to be positive with the ball and bat. That's the kind of message we want to send out to Australia."

Bell lost his England spot during the winter tour of the West Indies and is part of a strong Lions side that also includes Durham pace bowlers Steve Harmison and Graham Onions.

The Warwickshire batsman, part of the 2005 Ashes triumph, is determined to regain his place.

He said: "The message that comes from England is there is a lot of cricket to come this summer.

"With five Tests and all the one-day cricket, this is a great opportunity for all the guys to come and stake a claim. They have been in good form with their counties.

"The good thing with the England team at the moment is that there is competition for places in all departments, and this is another opportunity for everyone to come out and show that."

Bell does not, however, anticipate any shock call-ups in time for next week.

"I'd be very surprised if there are any surprises for the first Test. But with the amount of international cricket there is now, it is not 11 players who are going to win games of cricket for England over a year.

"It is a squad effort, and I think that is the way England have to go about their cricket. They need a strong squad, and that is what is starting to come around."