Ian Bell named Sri Lanka's batting coach for England tour
Former England batter, Ian Bell, has been appointed as the batting coach for Sri Lanka's upcoming tour of the UK. The 42-year-old is set to join the team on August 16, five days before the start of a three-match Test series. The series will kick off in Manchester on August 21, with Lord's and the Oval hosting the following two games.
A look at his playing career
Ian Bell, a veteran of 118 Test matches, has an impressive record in the format. His endearing cover drives were a treat to witness. Bell scored 7,727 runs at an average just under 50, including 68 scores of 50 or above (22 centuries). His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, particularly during Ashes Tests, was a notable aspect of his career.
Bell's appointment aims to strengthen Sri Lanka's batting
The decision to appoint Bell was driven by Sri Lanka Cricket's (SLC) goal to prepare their batting department for a potentially challenging England tour. "We appointed Ian to bring in a person with local knowledge to help the players with key insights on the conditions there," said Ashley De Silva, CEO of SLC. De Silva believes that Bell's extensive experience playing in England will be beneficial for the team during this crucial tour.
Bell's coaching experience post retirement
Since retiring from professional cricket in 2020, Bell has been actively involved in coaching roles. His previous stints include being part of the coaching setup for Derbyshire and Warwickshire, as well as England's Under-19 side. He also served as a consultant for New Zealand's men's side ahead of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India. Bell has been part of the coaching staffs for Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.
Bell's first coaching stint with an Asian team
This appointment marks Bell's first association with an Asian side as a coach. His expertise will be crucial for Sri Lanka, who are hoping to secure their first Test series win in England since 2014. The Sri Lankan squad for the England Tests was announced last week, with Dhananjaya de Silva set to lead the team.
