England’s Ian Bell to end cricket career at the end of 2020
Former England batsman Ian Bell will retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2020 domestic season.
Ian Bell last played for England in 2015, but has been a regular for Warwickshire since then.
The five-times Ashes winner, however, missed the whole of the 2019 campaign through injury.
“It’s true when they say you know when the time’s right, and unfortunately, my time is now,” said Bell in a statement.
“While my hunger and enthusiasm for the sport that I love remain as strong as ever, my body simply can’t keep up with the demands of the game to the standard of which I expect of myself.”
“It’s been an absolute privilege and honour to fulfill my boyhood dream of playing for both England and Warwickshire,” said Bell.
It’s true when they say you know when the time’s right, and unfortunately, my time is now.
It’s been a pleasure.
Thank you.
🏴🐻 pic.twitter.com/u7Altf9qpT— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) September 5, 2020
“As a child, to play just once for either would have been enough for me, but to do so for the past 22 years is more than I could have ever wished for,” he added.
“To have spent my entire career and won trophies with my boyhood club is something both myself and my family are enormously proud of.
“To everyone associated with the club; the staff, players, fans and anyone I’ve worked with during this time: thank you.”
However, one of the most stylish batsmen of his generation, Bell scored 7,727 runs in 118 Tests, including 22 hundreds, at a fine average of 42.69.
He also appeared in 161 one-day internationals and eight T20 internationals. Bell’s first-class career has so far yielded 20,300 runs at 43.46, with 57 hundreds.
On the other hand, tributes came in from the cricket world, including current and former team-mates from Warwickshire, England and elsewhere.
Cricket fraternity pour in tributes for Ian Bell
It has been an honour and a privilege to play with you and against you bud. You will go down as one of the games greats and I wish you all the very best in your next chapter. Enjoy your remaining games you’ve earned it. @Ian_Bell pic.twitter.com/o8CgjFFsJf
— Rikki Clarke (@RikkiClarke81) September 5, 2020
Pleasure to share a dressing room and watch that cover drive live! True professional and congrats on such a great career! A bear through and through! 🐻 https://www.bolnews.com/sports/2020/09/englands-ian-bell-to-end-cricket-career-at-the-end-of-2020/amp/
Advertisement— Olly Stone (@OllyStone2) September 5, 2020
Congrats on a great career @Ian_Bell, a true servant to both the Bears and England. 🐻 Go well Bud. https://www.bolnews.com/sports/2020/09/englands-ian-bell-to-end-cricket-career-at-the-end-of-2020/amp/
— Neil Carter (@NeilMCarter) September 5, 2020
Far bigger stuff in his resume but will always love @Ian_Bell for this.
Broke his right foot before this game, taped it up & went out. Tore his left hamstring in the 1st over. Couldn't play Cricket for 3mths after this.
Yet scored a match-winning 50https://www.bolnews.com/sports/2020/09/englands-ian-bell-to-end-cricket-career-at-the-end-of-2020/amp/
Advertisement— Hassan Cheema (@mediagag) September 5, 2020
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