England batsman Ian Bell has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket and this county season for Warwickshire will be his last. Bell had been a mainstay in the England team when they achieved the status of the number one Test team in the ICC world cricket rankings. Ian Bell is the third-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket with 5,416 runs in 161 appearances for the Three Lions.
He also made 118 Tests and 8 T20I appearances for England during a span of a 22 year long career. Bell is one of only three English men’s cricketers to have won the Ashes five times.
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Ian Bell announced his retirement from all formats of cricket on Saturday
The England batsman heavy heartedly announced his retirement from the sport on Saturday and told this would hang his boots at the end of this county season with Warwickshire. He spent his entire domestic journey with Warwickshire and thanked everyone involved with the club.
“It’s true when they say you know when the time’s right, and unfortunately, my time is now. 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,” Bell posted on twitter
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“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 spent my entire career and won trophies with my boyhood club is something both myself and my family are enormously proud of. To everyone associated with the club; the staff, players, fans and anyone I’ve worked with during this time: thank you.
Ian Bell bids adieu to Cricket with an emotional message
The 38-year-old cricketer posted a heartfelt letter on twitter extending his gratitude to his mentors, fans, and his family. He also mentioned that he had signed a contract extension with Warwickshire but didn’t want to disappoint them by continue playing at a lower level than the club deserves.
“I recently signed a contract extension to continue playing for the Bears, but I couldn’t disrespect the club I love by being unable to play to the level they deserve. Farby, Stuart and the whole team have been hugely understanding with my decision and I’m very grateful of their support,” Ian Bell wrote.
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
“There are too many names of people I need to thank for all the help, guidance and support I’ve received throughout my career, but I can’t finish this without thanking my amazing wife, Chantal, my wonderful children, Joseph and Jesse, and my unwaveringly supportive parents. I love you all. Finally though, thank you to all the cricket fans for the most unbelievable support I’ve had throughout my career.”
The right-handed England batsman, Ian Bell scored 7227 runs at an average of 42.69 with 22 hundreds to his name in Test cricket. He mostly batted at No.3 and scored 5416 ODI runs at an average of 37.87.
