Ian Bell extends stay at Warwickshire till 2021

Birmingham, July 1 (IANS) Veteran England batsman Ian Bell has signed one-year contract extension with Warwickshire that will see him tied down to the club till 2021, it was announced on Wednesday.

Bell has been one of the most decorated cricketers in Warwickshire history having won six domestic trophies and scoring 17,350 runs, with 38 centuries, across all formats.

“I’ve been fortunate to be part of some fantastic Warwickshire sides that have won trophies across formats throughout my time with the club, and I firmly believe that we are building for another period of challenging for more titles,” Bell was quoted as saying in a statement uploaded on Warwickshire’s Twitter handle.

“In the last couple of years we’ve seen some really promising young players come into the side and make an immediate impression.

“Part of my role now is to provide support to them as they have the potential to achieve a huge amount both with Warwickshire and England.

“I believe that it’s a very exciting time for the club and I can’t wait to get back out there wearing the Bear & Ragged Staff,” he added.

Bell featured in 118 Tests for England and scored 7,727 runs including 22 centuries. He is also among three Englishmen who were part of three Ashes winning teams. Bell also featured in 161 ODIs before calling time on his career in the fifty-over format in 2015.

“Ian is a winner, and everyone associated with Warwickshire CCC is naturally delighted that he has put pen to paper and reinforced his great commitment to his home county,” Warwickshire Sporting Director Paul Farbrace was quoted as saying.

“With Warwickshire, Ian has won every domestic trophy possible and he was part of one of the greatest England teams of all time.

“Having his knowledge and experience in the dressing room at Edgbaston is fantastic for our young players who can continue to learn from one of the greatest players in our history,” he added.

–IANS

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