Bell signs up for Big Bash

Published August 31, 2016

SYDNEY: Former England middle-order batsman Ian Bell has signed for the Perth Scorchers team in Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash League (BBL), joining compatriot David Willey.

The 34-year-old, who captains Warwickshire, had previously played in the West Australian city in several Ashes tours, and also joins retired international Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson.

“I’m delighted to be coming back to play in Perth for the Scorchers in this year’s Big Bash,” Bell said in a statement. “I love the city having played there earlier in my career and to work with [Scorchers coach] Justin Langer will be superb.”

Langer, a former Test opener who filled in for Darren Lehmann during Australia’s tour of the West Indies earlier this year, said the right-hander would bring experience and leadership to the team.

“With 22 Test centuries and a One-day International average close to 40, he’ll bolster our batting options,” he added.

Australia’s Big Bash League is played in December and January and last year attracted stars such as Kevin Pietersen and Jacques Kallis.

The Scorchers have been the most successful team in the BBL, taking part in four of the five finals since it started in 2011.

Bell has played 118 Tests and scored 7,727 runs, with his last appearance for England against Pakistan in Sharjah in November 2015. He has also played 161 ODIs, scoring more than 5,000 runs at an average of 37.87 and eight T20 Internationals with a highest score of 60.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...