Sri Lanka has roped in Ian Bell as their batting coach for the England tour
Former England batting stalwart Ian Bell will join Sri Lanka’s coaching staff for their upcoming tour of England, which features three Test matches.
The 42-year-old will serve as the batting coach throughout the series, which begins on August 21.
Bell is expected to join the team five days earlier, on August 16.
A veteran of 118 Tests, Bell’s achievements during his playing career rank among the best for England in the longest format, with over 7,700 runs at an average just under 50.
His record includes 68 scores of fifty or more, with 22 centuries, and he was particularly renowned for his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, such as Ashes contests.
The Warwickshire man’s appointment reflects Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) commitment to providing the Test team with the best possible preparation and guidance, especially for what could be a challenging tour.
“We appointed Ian to bring in someone with local knowledge who can provide the players with key insights on the conditions there.
Ian has extensive experience playing in England, and we believe his input will be invaluable for our team on this crucial tour,” said Ashley De Silva, CEO of SLC.
Bell’s coaching career has been gaining momentum in recent years.
He has been involved with the coaching setups at Derbyshire, Warwickshire, and England’s U19 side.
Last year, he served as a consultant for New Zealand’s men’s team ahead of the ODI World Cup in India.
Bell has also been active in the Big Bash League, where he has been part of the coaching teams for Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes.
However, this will be Bell’s first coaching role with an Asian side.
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