BBL 13: Ian Bell joins Melbourne Renegades as assistant coach

Ian Bell, the former England batter has joined Melbourne Renegades as an assistant coach for the upcoming BBL season, teaming up with head coach David Saker. After contributing to Hobart Hurricanes as an assistant under Adam Griffith last season, his coaching prowess expanded further. Renegades' General Manager, James Rosengarten, hailed Bell’s arrival as a significant acquisition, anticipating his impactful influence on the team's dynamics and performance.

Bell's coaching journey includes recent consultancy with New Zealand ahead of the ODI World Cup, alongside stints with England Under-19s, Derbyshire, Birmingham Phoenix, and Chennai Braves in the Abu Dhabi T10. Having clinched a BBL title with Perth Scorchers in 2016-17, he brings playing experience to his coaching role. His prior collaboration with Saker during their England days adds a familiar and seasoned dynamic to their coaching partnership at Melbourne Renegades.

"We're thrilled to have someone of Bell's calibre at the Renegades. His experience at international and domestic level speaks for itself; he offers that fresh voice and expertise every club needs to succeed in the Big Bash. He’ll be a great fit and we can’t wait for what he’s going to bring in BBL 13,” said James Rosengarten as quoted on Melbourne Renegades' official page. 

Ian Bell solidifies Melbourne Renegades coaching squad

The 41-year-old joins a seasoned squad at Renegades, stepping into a dynamic with former Ashes rivals Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon. The team boasts stalwarts like Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, and Kane Richardson, adding to the wealth of experience. Additionally, his familiarity extends to overseas players Quinton de Kock, Joe Clarke, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, further cementing his rapport within the team's diverse talent pool.

The Warwickshire-born player’s addition completes the coaching ensemble for Melbourne Renegades, under Saker's leadership for a third successive season. Lloyd Mash, a seasoned Victorian batter, retains his role as assistant, joined by Matthew Gale, a former Renegades paceman and Cricket Victoria representative, completing the coaching lineup for BBL 13. The team's coaching structure appears solidified with this final piece in place, gearing up for the upcoming season.