Ian Bell stacks up 20,000 first-class runs; knocks on selectors' doors

Out-of-favour middle order batsman Ian Bell notched up another milestone in first-class cricket when he chalked up his fourth century of the season. Playing for Warwickshire in the Division 2 of the County Championship, it has been a dream season for Bell which is in stark contrast to the last one where he struggled to get going.

The Warwickshire batsman scored 204 runs helping his team reach 445 for the loss of 8 wickets before stumps were drawn at the end of days play. Earlier, Glamorgan were bundled out for 203 runs with Olly Stone and Jeetan Patel picking up four and three wickets respectively.

Bell almost called it quits last season

Before the start of the season, the former English batsman was pondering about calling time on a career which has now lasted for almost two decades. He was dropped from the national side after below par performance in 2014 and 2015, where he could only amass 1023 at an average of 29.23 collectively in both seasons.

England’s top order has largely struggled during the ongoing five-Test home series against India. With Bell hitting a purple patch, the selectors might consider the 36-year-old as a short term option. The experienced duo of Alastair Cook and Joe Root have been under enormous pressure to shoulder the responsibility of getting runs in almost every game. The inclusion of Bell in the middle order will not only strengthen the middle order but relieve Cook and Root from the undue pressure.

Bell played last of his 118 Tests in November 2015 and had stated that he is open for a national comeback. He has been in superb form this season, scoring 871 runs in 10 games averaging in the north of 62. The stylish right-hander has recorded 22 centuries and 7,727 runs for England.

~ Written by Adnan Khan