Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced on their official website Tuesday that Ian Bell, a former England batsman, is to be the batting coach for the country and will start his new appointment this week.
Bell, who scored an impressive 7727 runs in 118 Tests during his career, will begin coaching with the Sri Lanka national team at some point in the upcoming week as they get ready for their tour of England featuring three Test matches.
“He will be with the side from August 16 to the end of three test series,” SLC told Parami News.
According to Ashley de Silva, SLC’s CEO: “We made this appointment so we could have someone with local knowledge which can assist players through insights into those conditions.”
“Ian has played a lot in England and we feel that his input will be important to our side as we head into that crucial tour.”
England cricket team are set to host Sri Lanka for a three-match Test series beginning on August 21st. The first match is scheduled from August 21-25 at Manchester’s historic venue.
Then it moves to Lord’s Cricket Ground where second Test is set for August 29 – September 2. Finally, The Oval in London will host third and final Test of series spanning September 6-10.
But home preparations have been hit by a potential injury blow as their talismanic skipper Ben Stokes hurt his hamstring while playing a game last Sunday during The Hundred tournament.
When Stokes was batting he sustained the injury and required assistance off. Further assessment was carried out after scans were taken when he moved on crutches later.
As England’s medical department works around clock trying hard not to miss any detail before facing ‘Sri Lanka in just five days’ time; they should also ensure that Stokes is fit for selection during these crucial moments.
His all-round abilities are key to the balance and leadership within the squad hence his fitness becomes paramount ahead of the opener at Manchester.
