Bell to get first crack as England’s opener
England batsman Ian Bell will get first crack to make the opening slot his own as final preparations take place before the World Cup, which starts on the 14 February.
England are already in Australia, who will be co-hosting the showpiece event with New Zealand, and will play an ACT XI on 12 January at the Manuka Oval.
New England ODI skipper Eoin Morgan, who replaced the sacked Alastair Cook, confirmed that Bell will open the innings with Moeen Ali in the tour opener.
Morgan said: "The top three will be Ali, Bell and James Taylor. The first opportunity goes to those guys. Belly is a class act, somebody we've looked to for a long time to score a heavy weight of runs.
"He's pretty key at the top of the order. All three lads look in great form. Opportunity lands with them and we'll see how they go."
Morgan feels that there are still areas that his team should work on before the World Cup starts, and that the players have to fight for positions in the starting XI when given opportunities.
He said: "I think the guts of the side are pretty strong but there are a couple of areas that do need addressing so opportunities will be there for guys to prove themselves."
Morgan also confirmed that there were no hard feelings between him and Cook after the latter's sacking last month.
He said: "Cookie was the first person to message me once I got the news, which sums up the guy. I've had a great relationship with Alastair over the last number of years when he's been captain.
"He's been fantastic to me. It is unfortunate the way it ended but it is the decision that's been made."
Latest
-
NewsJonathan Trott warns England not to get ‘too desperate’ against India spinners
The duo have taken a combined 42 wickets in the series so far.
-
NewsDarren Gough fears England could be on the end of another hiding by India
Gough knows all about two-day Test wins.
-
NewsChris Silverwood hopes England batsmen can learn from quickfire third-Test loss
Silverwood would not be drawn into criticising the pitch.
-
NewsEngland players clash online over Alex Hartley’s social media comments
Hartley advertised England Women’s one-day international with New Zealand by referencing the men’s third Test defeat inside two days to India.
-
NewsNat Sciver excels as England wrap up series win in New Zealand
Sciver claimed three for 26 and hit 63.
-
NewsJoe Root invites ICC to make own judgement on Ahmedabad pitch
England were beaten by 10 wickets to go 2-1 down in the series.
-
NewsIt was nice to bat on – Rohit Sharma defends pitch after India seal two-day win
The hosts thrashed England by 10 wickets in Ahmedabad.
-
NewsCharlotte Edwards elected as first female president of the PCA
The former England captain takes over from Graham Gooch at the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
-
NewsJoe Root refuses to blame pitch for England’s quickfire defeat in Ahmedabad
It was the shortest match since 1935 in terms of balls bowled.
-
News7 Tests with the most premature endings since 2000
A turning wicket caused chaos for batsmen on both sides as England’s first-innings collapse for 112 set the tone.