“I want to get back into the Test team, there’s no doubt”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

The bell has not tolled for the final time when it comes to Ian Bell’s Test career as the veteran England batsman still feels he has a chance to revive his Test career.

Bell is without a doubt one of the best batsman England ever produced, but the revered Ashes hero has fallen out of favour with the national selectors and has subsequently not played Test cricket since November last year.

The 34-year-0ld had a decent showing in the County Championship with Warwickshire this year as he amassed 703 runs, which included a century and three fifties, at an average of 33.47.

Despite this and England having struggled to find a suitable middle order batsman since he was dropped, Bell is confident that there is still a glimmer of hope when it comes to him being recalled to the Test team.

Since he was not selected for England’s ongoing tour of India, Bell opted to try something new and decided to sign with the Perth Scorchers for the Big Bash League (BBL) in an attempt to once again show the selectors back home that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

“I want to get back into the Test team, there’s no doubt,” Bell said. “I’ve been working as hard on my game as I ever have. My body feels really good. I’ve had a couple of months of getting those niggles right.

“The energy levels and excitement about playing cricket is through the roof. Hopefully, this is another opportunity to go out and show people I’m a good player, and I can get back into the England team.”

Even though the Bell is eager to don the England jersey once again, he is making an effort to give back to the cricketing community as he is willing to share his knowledge with his BBL team-mates.

“My England hat is firmly at home,” Bell said when questioned if he would have any hesitation dishing out advice to players that ply their trade for another country. “This is about coming out and giving as much as I can to the Perth Scorchers, and helping every player I can.

“I’ve got experience in Test cricket, and if people want to talk about it, I’m more than happy and open to help as many of the players I can here.”