Batsman Ian Bell has said he is determined to carry on in international cricket following talks with coach Trevor Bayliss and captain Alastair Cook as England turn their focus to the series against Pakistan in the UAE.
In the immediate aftermath of England’s Test series victory over Australia, five-times Ashes-winner Bell told BBC Radio he would “take stock” of his future.
That led to suggestions the 33-year-old was contemplating calling time on a 115-Test career that has yielded 22 hundreds in a tally of 7,569 runs.
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But Bell, writing in his Metro column published on Friday, said: "At the end of every Ashes series you're left physically and mentally drained and, as I said to Jonathan Agnew as the celebrations began at The Oval, I needed a bit of time to consider what the future holds.
“I spoke with coach Trevor Bayliss and Alastair Cook after the Oval loss, we had a really good talk and I was as honest as I could be.
“Deep down, though, I think I probably knew I wasn’t ready to call time on my England Test career.
“I still have that hunger and desire.”
Bell was not at his best during England’s recent 3-2 Ashes series win, apart from two fifties in the third Test at his Edgbaston home ground, and averaged a mere 26.87 in nine innings.
Cook, speaking after the Ashes, was adamant he wanted the experienced Bell in England’s squad for tough upcoming series away to Pakistan in the UAE and in South Africa.
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Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
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