Share

Bell: England playing better

Melbourne - Australia may have momentum from their big Perth Test win but England are playing better cricket going into the fourth Ashes Test, England batsman Ian Bell said on Thursday.

Australia's stunning reversal of form to win last week's third Test by 267 runs and level the five-match series at one-all has given Ricky Ponting's men a massive confidence boost.

"Certainly, they have got some momentum going into it (the fourth Test)," Bell told a press conference on Thursday.

"They played some fantastic cricket at the WACA. (But) out of the three Test matches I'd say we've been playing the better cricket.

"We're going to have to start the Test match well," he said. "We don't want Australia winning the first hour or that first session.

"It'd be great for us to be able to come out and win that first session, whether we're batting or bowling, and try and take (back) a bit of that momentum."

Bell, 28, is second in England's batting averages for the series with 213 runs at 71.00, trailing opener Alastair Cook's tally of 495 at 123.75.

His sparkling form, including top-scoring with 53 in England's first-innings total of 187 in Perth, has prompted calls for Bell to be promoted to number five ahead of Paul Collingwood.

Collingwood is averaging 15.50 in the series and looked out of sorts in Perth, making 5 and 11.

"It's always nice to get moved up the order," Bell said, but the 60-Test veteran added he has not spoken with team management about a promotion.

"Whether I move up the order doesn't really matter as long as we're winning the next two Test matches," he said.

"That's the most important thing to me, contributing to this team winning the Ashes.

"It's probably one of the most exciting Test matches we're going into. Playing in Melbourne is something you look forward to, a Boxing Day Test match is always special."

Bell, who averaged just 25.68 in 13 previous Ashes Tests before the current series, feels he has improved significantly in the past 18 months.

However, a century in an Ashes Test eludes him.

"I'm desperate for an Ashes hundred, there's no doubt about that. I'm hoping with the way I'm playing there's one around the corner," he said.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE