Joe Root backs Ian Bell to come good in Ashes third Test

David Clough 08:02 28/07/2015
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  • Under pressure: Ian Bell.

    Ian Bell believes the only way to keep his place in the “brutal environment” of Test cricket is to enjoy the challenge – even in extreme adversity and team-mate Joe Root has backed England’s most senior batsman to deliver on his home ground.

    England have responded to their embarrassing defeat at Lord’s, and Bell’s miserable run of form, by promoting him centre stage to bat at number three.

    Bell’s wretched sequence of scores in his last 12 innings – since his century in Antigua three months ago – features a solitary 50, two ducks and five ones.

    The 33-year-old is, however, a four-time Ashes-winner with 22 Test centuries to his name and it is that pedigree which new coach Trevor Bayliss and selectors have backed to come good when they need him most at Edgbaston.

    Bell’s performance here has an added premium, because there is a largely misfiring top order around him. With the series level at 1-1, the stakes could hardly be much higher for all concerned, and Bell knows he must not be intimidated by the Australia attack which bowled England out for 103 in 37 overs just eight days ago.

    He told BBC Sport: “It’s a brutal environment – you have to perform. I know I haven’t performed to the best of my ability in the last two months.”

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    He is confident he will be best-served by embracing the occasion and the impact he can have.

    “It’s a good opportunity to take some responsibility and score some runs. The only thing I can do really is focus on what’s in hand, home Test match. It’s always great fun. I know the ground inside out – I’ve got to enjoy myself.”

    Root has been prolific for much of the past 12 months in the middle order and, even after a rare lack of productivity at Lord’s, he is up to fourth in the line-up from his accustomed five.

    With Bell’s help, he is adamant England can buck this year’s worrying trend of top-order collapses.

    “I think every international player is playing for their place at all times,” said Root. 

    “Ian’s record is fantastic, and he’s playing at his home ground.

    “Last time the Ashes were in England he was outstanding, and I’m sure he will want to put a marker down and get form that he will stay in for the rest of the season.”

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