Bell challenged by evolving conditions
Batsman Ian Bell has welcomed the varied nature of England's build-up to the Ashes series, which will get underway in Brisbane on 21 November.
Batsman Ian Bell has welcomed the varied nature of England's build-up to the Ashes series, which will get underway in Brisbane on 21 November.
Bell scored a century in the drawn three-day fixture against the Western Australian Chairman's XI in Perth last week, and this week will face Australia A in Hobart. A four-day affair against a strong New South Wales unit will follow next week.
"Obviously we'll see how it plays and obviously last time we were here we got a good four days out of it and I was lucky enough to spend some time in the middle as well, so I know there are some runs to be had out there and that's a good challenge," said Bell.
"You don't want to just play on flat wickets all the time, you need to put yourself under a bit of pressure and hopefully we'll be able to do that over this four days which will get us in a good place for Brisbane."
The lanky Boyd Rankin, Chris Tremlett and Steven Finn are, effectively, vying for the final first-choice Test seamer's berth alongside the experienced Stuart Broad and James Anderson. The talented Graeme Swann, meanwhile, is bound to secure the sole spinner's spot.
"It's just making the most of what we're doing really. To have the first week at the WACA I think is the best place to practise in terms of extreme bounce and then to come here potentially with more bowler-friendly conditions is a good place," added Bell.
"It puts us under a bit of pressure which is where we want to be as a team. You don't want to go to Brisbane having no pressure cricket, so for us it's an exciting opportunity if we lose the toss and we're in batting and we have to fight to get as many runs as we can."
Latest
-
NewsI was raging in Brisbane but now I’m comfortable with rotation – Stuart Broad
England’s veteran seamer is gearing up for whatever part he has to play in this summer’s Ashes.
-
NewsPat Cummins has no plans to rest as Australia captain targets every Ashes Test
All five matches take place in a period lasting just over six weeks.
-
NewsStuart Broad hopeful Andy Flower does not reveal England secrets to Australia
The Zimbabwean led England for five years between 2009 and 2014.
-
-
-
-
NewsA look at three of the best Ashes series on English soil
There have been some memorable tussles between England and Australia.
-
NewsAshes major talking points as Australia gear up for first taste of ‘Bazball’
The series starts at Edgbaston next week.
-
AustraliaScott Boland edges Michael Neser for place in Australia XI for WTC against India
Josh Hazlewood’s side injury left Boland and Neser fighting for the final pace attack spot, and captain Pat Cummins did not leave the pair waiting.
-
