Ashes 2015: Ian Bell hails Kiwi skipper McCullum as his psychologist

Ashes 2015: Ian Bell hails Kiwi skipper McCullum as his psychologist: Cometh the 29^th July of this month, with the commencement of 3^rd Ashes test there would be action-packed 5 days at Edgbaston as the Ashes fever grips everyone in Britain. But, for Ian Bell it is slated to be the make or break Test when he will take on the Australians at his home ground. Now, the 33-year old Warwickshire batsman is standing at the cross ends of his career from where either he can run into a merry patch or his career might cease with younger crop of players giving cut-throat competition for a batting slot in the three lions.

As for the 3^rd Investec Ashes Test, with the ouster of Garry Balance from the side, Bell will bat at no.3 position. When it comes to Ashes cricket, it’s the fiercest rivalry of the sport. On the eve of the match, the 112 Test match old veteran said, “It’s a brutal environment, international sport. You have to perform. I’m realistic enough to know that I haven’t played to the best of my ability in the last two months.”

“For me it’s about performing. Whether you’re batting three, four or five you’ve got to score hundreds and I’m looking forward to that challenge.”

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Ian Bell holds a brilliant tally of 7,427 runs in Test matches at an average of 43.18 with 22 centuries against his name and he is featuring in the Ashes series for seventh time since his debut.

The stylish right-hander further said, “I know that when I play at my best I’m a world-class cricketer. I went from a hundred in Antigua (in the first Test against the West Indies in April) to a little tricky run – who’s to say that there’s not a hundred round the corner and I go off on a good run?”

Ian Bell looked very much relaxed though the most important Test match and challenge of his career seems around the corner. He also reflected on his glorious Test career in which he fulfilled every daydream which he had seen as a young boy.

Bell added, “I don’t worry about anything. If it doesn’t go all right this week and they move on in a different direction I’m not going to sit and worry. I have been lucky enough to have one of the best careers an England player can have. It’s a dream. All I wanted to do as a kid was to play 100 Tests and I have managed to achieve my goals and more. I can reflect on a great career if that was to be it.”

Bell also talked about the challenges of batting at No.3 position in tricky English conditions. “I have never worried about where I bat. It’s a challenge to bat at No.3 In English conditions it will always swing and seam; you have to deal with that challenge. When you are out of form you want to get out there, not waiting around watching other people bat. I’d rather get on with it and get scrapping away.” he said.

He also echoed the immense effect of the New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum on his mindset. The Kiwi skipper is renowned for his astute fighting and feisty character on the 22 yards. Ian Bell who has endured a torrid run this summer with 116 runs in 8 innings at an average of 14, revealed about his conversation with McCullum.

Ian Bell was quoted by BBC Radio 5 Live saying that: “Brendon has been my psychologist this week and he’s been great. He goes out with the philosophy of enjoying every day you have. He said that these are the times of your life, the times to enjoy yourself and if you can’t enjoy a home Test match and look at it like that, then what is the point?”

The man who averages 35 in 30 Ashes tests further asserted, “I’ve got a home Test match against Australia and if you can’t enjoy that you can’t enjoy any cricket. Whatever happens I can look back with no regrets. I have given everything for the England shirt. To be about for 11 years is the best thing I have been a part of and hopefully there is more to come.