Clarke wants England to look at Ian Bell for the upcoming Ashes

Retired Australian captain Michael Clarke wants the England Cricket team to look at Former English number three batsman Ian Bell yet again to deal with their fragility on top of the order in the upcoming Ashes series. Clarke also felt that Kevin Pietersen’s unavailability is still a big loss for them. However, Clarke was looking forward to seeing more of Matt Renshaw in the all important Ashes series starting later in November.

Ian Bell, who has a wealth of experience in the Tests (118 matches), has amassed as many as 7727 runs at an average of 42.69. He also has 22 centuries and 49 half centuries to his name, with the highest score of 235 against India in 2011. Bell last represented England in the 2015 series against Pakistan at Sharjah, which the English team lost by 2-0. He lost his place in the side due to his dip in form,

“England looks to be playing some really good cricket. Still, I believe they have some questions about their top three batting. Is Ian Bell available for the Ashes? Perfect No.3 for that team” commented Michael Clarke according to Cricket.co.au. He also feels that the absence of Kevin Pietersen is still a big loss to the side.

“He would find whatever was required if he was picked for the Ashes. One player does not make a team but I do believe he is a big loss.” claimed Pup on KP’s absence. He also dispensed the key to succeed in the high-octane series, i.e., to win the first match of the series. “Win the first Test and you will win the series,” wrote Clarke.

Michael Clarke also had a word or two about the promising Australian Test opener, Matt Renshaw, who impressed one and all with his composure in the Border-Gavaskar Series. “He is still very young. Has shown a lot of talent, played pretty well in India also. I would be picking the best six batsmen, I’m sure a few of them can bowl some overs.” concluded Clarke.

Here’s the Schedule of the Australian Summer

Magellan Ashes Series

First Test Gabba, November 23-27.

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night)

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18.

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30.

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test).

ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14

Second ODI Gabba, January 19.

Third ODI SCG, January 21.

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26.

Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28.

T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3.

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7.

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10.

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 14

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21