Bell happy to take pressure off his batting

Batsman Ian Bell has acknowledged a superb stretch of form at first-class level will serve England well, come next month's series against Sri Lanka.

Batsman Ian Bell has acknowledged a superb stretch of form at first-class level will serve England well, come next month's series against Sri Lanka.

Bell amassed a fine 189 not out against Sussex, complementary 75 versus Lancashire and majestic 122 against Nottinghamshire during a prolific patch for Warwickshire in April.

"I didn't want to just turn up and think about scoring runs to get ready for a season with England. That's a dangerous way to go about it. I'd rather really get involved in the games and try to win games for Warwickshire," said Bell.

"If I can do that it takes a bit of pressure off my batting. Whatever happens with the bat is good, but I just want to be in the mix of helping win games for the Bears."

The talented 32-year-old, who last played ODI cricket in January, has not been included in the squad for Friday's one-off fixture against Scotland at Mannofield Park in Aberdeen.

The uncapped Harry Gurney has been selected, while batsman Gary Ballance and Moeen Ali were retained. Openers Alex Hales and Michael Lumb were overlooked – and all-rounders Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes were not considered due to injury.

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