England Veteran Ian Bell Scales 20,000-Run Mark in First-Class Cricket

Veteran England middle-order batsman Ian Bell has gone past 20,000 runs in the first-class cricket after smashing his fourth century in the County Championship of the 2018 English domestic campaign while representing Warwickshire.

No other player in the domestic competition of England has scored more runs than Bell. He was one of the finest English batters. However, a consistent string of poor performances was the reason behind his ouster from the national team.

The batsman who represents Warwickshire in the County Championship said that he was open to international cricket recall and vowed to continue playing for as long as he possibly can. He is a stylish batsman and is hopeful of an English comeback.

The current England top order is struggling quite often. Hence, the inclusion of Bell might well solve their woes in the top and the middle order line-up.

England has struggled against the touring Indian side in the five-match Test series so far. Openers Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings have been in woeful touch and has not managed to score enough runs to get England off to sensible starts.

Even skipper Joe Root is struggling at number three spot. So, England might think of recalling Bell to steady the ship. Bell’s consistent performance in the County League might again pave his way for an international return.

Bell had a relatively poor county season in 2017 with the bat. It also prompted thoughts of possible retirement. Bell himself admitted that he considered walking away from the game. He gave himself a complete break from all cricket.

The offseason provided rich dividends, and he stormed back to form the next season with the bat.

Bell has scored 788 County Championship Division Two runs and is still counting. He has scored at an average of more than 60.

Meanwhile coming back to his international career, Bell has represented his country in 118 Test matches. He has scored 7,727 runs at an average of 42.69. He last played a Test match way back in 2015 against Pakistan in Sharjah.

Ian Bell is eighth in the list of all-time leading run-getters for England before achieving a feat in the First-class cricket.