Ian Bell announces retirement from professional cricket

England international Ian Bell announced his retirement from professional cricket on Saturday. Bell, on Twitter, shared the news with his fans and expressed that it was a privilege to represent England and Warwickshire.

Five-time Ashes winner Bell, who spend his entire career with Warwickshire, revealed that he’ll hang up his boots after the Bears wrap up their matches of the current domestic season. He reminisced his cricket journey in his statement and expressed gratitude towards people who’ve been a part of it.

“It’s true when they say you know when the time’s right, and unfortunately, my time is now,” 38-year-old Bell said while sharing 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,” his statement read.

It’s been absolute to play for England and Warwickshire: Ian Bell

“It’s been an absolute privilege and honour to fulfil my boyhood dream of playing for both England and Warwickshire. 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.

To have been part of an England Test team to reach number one in the world, to win five Ashes series, one of which as Player of the Series, and an away Series in India is some return for a young lad who simply dreamt of batting at Edgbaston,” the statement further read.

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

Bell had an illustrious career with England, representing the Three Lions in all formats of the game. The right-hander was also known for his exquisite cover drive. After breaking into the England side in 2004, Bell went on to play 118 Tests and 161 ODIs, amassing over 13,000 international runs.

Bell scored four ODI tons and 22 Test centuries during his stint with England. In 2015, he also became the second player since Ian Botham to be involved in five Ashes series wins. Talking about his First-class career, Bell played 311 matches and scored over 20,000 runs including 57 centuries.

His last international appearance for England was during the Test series against Pakistan. Bell missed the whole of the 2019 season with injury. He has struggled to amass runs this year and his top score has been just 28 in all formats.