By CricketCountry Staff
England middle-order batsman Ian Bell on Saturday expressed that he is more than eager to cement his place in the one-day side, following Kevin Pietersen’s sudden announcement of retirement.
Published: Jun 03, 2012, 05:36 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 03, 2012, 05:36 PM (IST)
Ian Bell has scored 3234 runs from 108 ODIs at an average of 34.04 for England © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
London: Jun 3, 2012
England middle-order batsman Ian Bell on Saturday expressed that he is more than eager to cement his place in the one-day side, following Kevin Pietersen’s sudden announcement of retirement.
“It was a real shock when I heard the news about Kev. He is his own man and makes his own decisions. Captain Alastair Cook made some comments about it giving an opportunity for someone else — and I certainly want to get myself back into the England team in all forms of the game,” Bell said.
“I’ll be working hard to take the opportunity should it arise,” the right-handed batsman told The Sun.
Bell has scored 3234 runs from 108 ODIs at an average of 34.04 for England.
In seven Twenty20s, Bell has garnered 175 runs at an healthy average of 29.16
“There are younger players coming through but I hope I still have a shout. I have unfinished business in ODIs. In one-day cricket I’d like to nail down a position in the top three,” he concluded.
England star batsman Pietersen last Thursday announced retirement from all international limited overs cricket.
Pietersen has been a key component of the England batting and would have been crucial to team’s chances in the upcoming T20 World Cup in September in Sri Lanka.
The South African-born batsman played 127 One-Day Internationals and 36 T20s for England. Pietersen is known for his feisty batting and aggressive approach against fast bowlers.
