On Tuesday, August 13, former England cricketer Ian Bell was appointed as the batting coach for Sri Lanka ahead of their crucial Test series in England. The three-match series will commence on August 21 in Manchester, with Dhananjaya de Silva leading the Sri Lankan side.
Bell’s extensive experience and impressive batting credentials make him a valuable addition to the Sri Lankan camp. With over 13,000 runs in international cricket, including 7,727 runs in Tests at an average of 42.69 with 22 centuries, Bell’s insights could be instrumental in Sri Lanka’s quest to secure their first Test series win in England since 2014.
Here are three reasons why Bell’s appointment is a shrewd move by Sri Lanka Cricket:
#1 Wealth of Coaching Experience Across Different Formats
Since retiring from first-class cricket in 2020, Ian Bell has amassed significant coaching experience at various levels. He has worked as a batting coach for the England Under-19s and the Lions, and served as an assistant coach in the Big Bash League (BBL) with the Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades. Bell also contributed as a batting consultant for Derbyshire and took on the role of assistant coach for New Zealand during their ODI series against England last year.
Bell’s diverse coaching background equips him with the tools to make a significant impact on the Sri Lankan team, especially in preparing them for the challenges of an overseas Test series in England.
#2 A Stepping Stone Toward a Bigger Coaching Role
Ian Bell has made it clear that he aspires to be a head coach on the international stage. His ambitions, coupled with his dedication to growing as a coach, mean that he is likely to give his all to this role with Sri Lanka. Bell has previously expressed his desire to succeed in different environments and to take on tough challenges, which aligns perfectly with the current task of guiding Sri Lanka in England.
“I have ambitions to be an international coach,” Bell told the Daily Telegraph. “Hopefully with England, but I’d love to do another international team too.” This determination to prove himself could translate into a highly committed and effective tenure as Sri Lanka’s batting coach.
#3 Instilling Adaptability in Sri Lankan Batters
During his 11-year international career, Ian Bell was renowned for his ability to adapt across formats and conditions. He maintained an exceptional Test average of 47.84 at home and proved his mettle in challenging environments like Pakistan (52.16), South Africa (44.71), New Zealand (44.77), and Australia (37.29).
Bell’s ability to adapt and perform in varied conditions is something he can pass on to Sri Lankan batters. With Sri Lanka scheduled to tour South Africa and New Zealand later this year, Bell’s experience could be invaluable in helping the team adjust to different pitches and conditions. For now, his immediate focus will be on preparing the Sri Lankan lineup to handle the swing-friendly conditions they will face in England.
Ian Bell’s appointment as Sri Lanka’s batting coach is not just about enhancing the team’s chances in the upcoming series—it’s about laying the groundwork for long-term success.