Ian Bell Retires from ODI Cricket: Latest Details, Comment and Reaction
Aug 28, 2015
England's Ian Bell acknowledges the crowd after he scored a century during the one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Australia and England at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on January 23, 2015. AFP PHOTO / Theo KARANIKOS
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England's Ian Bell has announced his retirement from one-day international cricket.
News of the 33-year-old’s decision came via his column in Metro on Friday (h/t BBC Sport) in which he confirmed his intentions to focus on his Test career. "I've a huge amount still to give in the Test arena and still have so many ambitions left to achieve, both from a personal and a team perspective," he wrote.
As noted by the England Cricket Twitter account, Bell retires as England’s leading run-scorer in the ODI format:
Bell helped England to Ashes glory again this summer, the fifth time in his distinguished career he has achieved such a feat. The batsman relished the responsibility of batting at No. 3, and in a young Test side, his experience will be critical moving forward.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Ian Bell of England celebrates with the ashes urn in the dressing rooms after the 5th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at The Kia Oval on August 23, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Cop
In limited-overs cricket, he's been a tremendous player too. Here are his full statistics from ODI matches, per CricketCountry:
RETIREMENT: English batsman @Ian_Bell calls time on ODI career with 5,416 runs at 37.87 from a 161-match career.
His adaptability and class will be sorely missed in the limited-overs game, but there will now be an opportunity for a burgeoning player to emerge and look to fill the shoes of a departed great of English cricket.
England vs. Australia, 5th Test, Day 4: Visitors Take Resounding Victory
Aug 23, 2015
Australias captain Michael Clarke (L) waves to the supporters after the final wicket is taken as Australia wrap up the game on the fourth day of the fifth Ashes cricket test match between England and Australia at The Oval cricket ground in London, on August 23, 2015. Australia beat England by an innings and 46 runs to win the fifth and final Ashes Test on the fourth day at The Oval on Sunday. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON
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The fifth Ashes Test between England and Australia finished with a comfortable win by an innings and 46 runs for the away side, who did not let the rain delay affect them.
In spite of three hours off the field for bad weather, in the end the Australians did well to take the final four wickets and ensure they earned the victory.
It does not affect the outcome of the series, as England won 3-2 to regain The Ashes, but it was certainly a welcome boost for the away side ahead of their future challenges.
And with Chris Rogers and Michael Clarke retiring, it was a good way to end their international careers, albeit in a series defeat.
There will soon follow more limited-overs cricket between England and Australia, but before then let’s take a look back at the fourth day of the fifth Test.
Australia's Peter Siddle celebrates taking the final wicket of England's Moeen Ali as Australia wrap up the game on the fourth day of the fifth Ashes cricket test match between England and Australia at The Oval cricket ground in London, on August 23, 2015
Peter Siddle shows folly of previous exclusions
The selection of Peter Siddle for this Test having been out of the side for so long led to some criticism, in particular from former Australian spinner Shane Warne.
However, over the course of this game he has proven his doubters wrong, and he was crucial in helping the visitors wrap up the victory on the fourth day.
First, he ended Mark Wood’s resistance by trapping him leg-before wicket, a handy wicket given that Wood is useful with the bat.
Then after the break for rain, and having seen Mitchell Marsh remove Jos Buttler, he got Stuart Broad and Moeen Ali in quick succession to secure the win.
It meant Siddle finished with figures of 4-35 from 24.4 overs, having looked very impressive all game.
He may never play for Australia again after this game, but it showed that he remains a force in international cricket and still has something to offer.
It also begs the question of why the selectors persisted in leaving him out so long in the first place, especially when he so enjoys English conditions.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Moeen Ali of England hits out during day four of the 5th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at The Kia Oval on August 23, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mitchell Gunn/Getty Images)
Is Moeen Ali batting too low?
On the fourth day, as wickets fell all around him, Moeen Ali once again looked good with the bat as he made 35 from 57 before flashing at a wide one from Siddle and being caught.
It was an innings that once again showed his obvious quality, especially as he hit several flashing boundaries through the covers that looked almost effortless.
However, Ali is hampered by the fact that he largely bats with tailenders only, especially as he joined the fray at No. 9 and had very little chance to make an impact.
He is clearly talented with the bat, perhaps more so than with the ball, so it seems like he would benefit from moving up the order and having more chances to score runs.
Perhaps he could even be an opening batsman in international cricket, but that will be a discussion for another day, especially with more games against Australia to come soon.
Unfortunately, his chance to shine was all too brief, but it showed he has the ability in the top levels of the game.
Rain not enough to save England
For almost three hours, the players were forced from the field by persistent rain that threatened to ruin the entire day.
With further bad weather forecast for Monday, it seemed improbable but somewhat likely that England could be saved from a certain crushing defeat.
Unfortunately for the home side, it was not to be as they returned to the field at 3 p.m. local time and were quickly dispatched by Australia.
It was a sad end to the series for the Ashes victors, who will be delighted to regain The Ashes but disappointed to do so after such a heavy defeat.
England vs. Australia, 5th Test, Day 3: Visitors on the Verge of Convincing Win
Aug 22, 2015
Australia's Nathan Lyon (L) reacts during play on the third day of the fifth Ashes cricket test match between England and Australia at The Oval cricket ground in London, on August 22, 2015. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK
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After three days of the fifth Test at The Oval between England and Australia, the away side are in the ascendancy having asked the hosts to follow on.
England find themselves 203-6 at the close, still behind by 129 runs and with four wickets left to try and stave off what is almost certainly going to be a crushing defeat.
For the Australians, it looks set to be a good consolation victory, even with The Ashes urn already prised from their grasp.
However, any celebrations will have to wait until the fourth day, after England just about managed to hold out and prevent themselves being bowled out twice.
With that in mind, let’s examine some takeaways from the third day.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: England batsman Adam Lyth reacts after being dismissed during day three of the 5th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at The Kia Oval on August 22, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/G
Is Adam Lyth’s Test career over?
In his final Ashes 2015 innings, Adam Lyth would have been desperate to put on a big score and secure his position atop the order for future series.
He has endured a desperately poor run and so would have wanted to remind England’s fans and selectors about his obvious abilities.
However, Lyth could not make it happen and was removed for 10, caught by Michael Clarke off Peter Siddle and forced to depart.
His disappointment was obvious, and he may well feel that his chance in Test cricket has gone, at least for now.
As if to make things worse, Alex Hales gave a timely reminder of his talents with 189 for Nottinghamshire against Warwickshire in the County Championship.
It may be the death knell for Lyth’s international career.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: England batsman Alastair Cook leaves the field after being dismissed for 85 runs during day three of the 5th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at The Kia Oval on August 22, 2015 in London, United Kingdom
Alastair Cook misses out on a home Ashes century
Alastair Cook has never scored a century against Australia at home, and for a time, he looked on course with a battling effort to try and save the game.
Even as wickets fell at the other end, he continued to dig in and provided glue to the home side’s efforts and led from the front.
However, he would be denied with his score on 85, as he fell to the part-time leg spin of Steven Smith, who had him caught by Adam Voges at short leg.
It was a disappointing end for England’s captain, who may face the prospect of never scoring an Ashes century at home.
Some support but not enough from England batsmen
In support of Cook, there was precious little on offer once Lyth had been removed.
Ian Bell applied himself well over the course of his 40 balls but struggled against Mitchell Marsh and was removed for 13, having done a decent job of crease occupation.
Joe Root did OK, but a Mitchell Johnson bouncer exposed and dismissed him for 11, while Ben Stokes swiped at a wide one from Nathan Lyon and was caught at slip.
Jonny Bairstow was impressive, as he reached 26 from 48 but then succumbed to Lyon, with the opportunity surely begging for him to push on to a big score even in defeat.
In fact, the most impressive resistance came from Jos Buttler, who heads into Day 4 on 33 not out from 80 balls, a very strong effort indeed.
It is something of a surprise given his usual, aggressive style, but if more batsmen had played like Buttler, things might have been different for England.
England sailed past Australia inside three days last week to win by an innings and 78 runs , and in doing so, they regained the Ashes ...
Twitter Reacts as England Bowl Australia out for 60 in 4th Ashes Test
Aug 6, 2015
England's Stuart Broad reacts after a catch by teammate Ben Stokes dismissed Australia's Adam Voges for 1 on the first day of the fourth Ashes test cricket match between England and Australia at Trent Bridge cricket ground in Nottingham, England, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Australia went into the fourth Ashes Test with a point to prove after being skittled out for just 136 in the first innings of the third Test at Edgbaston. Instead, they managed to outdo even that shockingly poor effort, collapsing to a simply embarrassing 60 all out in the first innings at Trent Bridge.
Australia innings so far: • 4lb W 2 4 W H A T • T H E • H E L L • I S • G O I N G • O N • W #Ashes
Stuart Broad was the tormenter-in-chief, taking eight wickets as the Aussies suffered the ignominy of being bowled out before lunch. Naturally, England fans were having an absolute field day on Twitter.
Australia's top four = Malaysia's dial code (0 0 6 0) Had Marsh scored 1, it would have been Australia's code :P #justaying
Stuart Broad: World Cricket's Bowler of the Month, July 2015
Aug 3, 2015
Englands Stuart Broad celebrates taking the wicket of Australias Adam Voges for 25 runs on the second day of the second Ashes cricket test match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, on July 17, 2015. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON
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Stuart Broad is a player who divides opinion. While the vast majority of England's fans love him, nearly all of Australia's supporters love to hate him.
When at his best, he is one of those bowlers who can produce a magical spell that suddenly turns a game on its head.
Just think back to the fifth Test of the 2009 Ashes series when, as a young, raw seamer, he took four wickets in eight balls to effectively seal the Ashes for England on Day 2 at the Oval.
Fast-forward to 2013, when he wiped away any chance Australia had of winning in Durham, with a six-wicket haul in the fourth innings, with all of his victims picked up in the space of 45 deliveries.
Don't forget, Broad is a member of a select group that has taken two Test hat-tricks. The only other bowlers to do so are Hugh Tumble, Jimmy Matthews and Wasim Akram.
Broad took three wickets in as many balls in 2011 against India at his home ground of Trent Bridge and then repeated the feat three years later against Sri Lanka.
He sits in fifth position on England’s all-time list of wicket-takers too, as he stands on the brink of becoming only the fifth Englishman to reach the milestone of 300 Test scalps.
Yet still, despite all that he has achieved, there is a feeling that Broad is under-appreciated.
Australians despise him after he refused to walk in the first Ashes Test of the 2013 series.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 16: Stuart Broad of England makes his way off the training pitch prior to the start of play during day one of the 2nd Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 16, 2015 in London, Unit
Although he got enough wood on the ball to nick an Ashton Agar delivery to first slip, Broad stood there looking like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. With the umpire unmoved and with the opposition having no referrals left, he somehow pulled off a great escape that David Copperfield would've been proud of.
Perhaps Broad doesn't get enough praise from his own countrymen because there's no happy medium with his bowling.
When he's good, he’s great. But, when he’s out of sorts, his bowling too often becomes cannon fodder. He can frustrate and delight in equal measure.
However, in July, Broad was a consistent performer for England in Test action.
The chance to take on Australia in an Ashes series once again inspired him, as he picked up 12 wickets in the three matches played during the month at an average of 27.41.
He was outstanding on a pitch in the second Test at Lord’s that resembled a road, with his first-innings figures of four for 83 a rare highlight in a heavy defeat.
England bounced back in style in the next match in Birmingham, with Broad playing a supporting role as both James Anderson and Steven Finn ripped through Australia’s fragile batting order.
While Joe Root pulled down Broad's pants in practice, as seen in the YouTube video below, it was the tourists who were left embarrassed by the final result at Edgbaston.
England's only setback in the third Test, though, was the side strain Anderson suffered late on Day 2.
The injury will keep the Lancashire bowler—the talisman of the national team's attack—sidelined for the fourth Test at least, according to BBC Sport.
In Anderson's absence, Broad will have to become the spearhead for his skipper, Alastair Cook.
It is a role he will no doubt relish—he rarely backs down from a challenge, even if a confrontation occurs just as he's walking out to bat, per Aaron Flanagan of the Mirror.
Kevin Pietersen has backed his old international team-mate to lead the way for England, writing in his Telegraphcolumn: “A lot of people said before the series that if we lose Jimmy it is a huge blow, but I have been encouraged by how Stuart Broad has bowled on all the surfaces. I think he understands you get judged on Ashes series so it is good to see he has stepped up again.”
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 22: An Australian supporter reads a copy of the Courier Mail newspaper day two of the First Ashes Test match between Australia and England at The Gabba on November 22, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia. The Queensland Courier Mai
Don’t be fooled by the innocent smile—Broad is a fierce competitor.
He coped admirably with being booed throughout an entire tour of Australia in 2013/14, with the home fans letting him know exactly what they thought of his decision not to walk in the previous series.
The Courier Mailin Brisbane took their dislike of the player to an extreme level, even refusing to use his name. Instead, he was referred to as "a 27-year-old English medium pace bowler."
Despite being cast as the pantomime villain, Broad keeps coming back to the stage for more.
He has been excellent over the past month, but he cannot now let his standards slip in August if England are to regain the Ashes.
Perhaps if the hosts do go on to win the series, with Broad leading the bowling unit to glory in Anderson's absence, he will finally get the praise he deserves. Just don't expect any Australian to join in the applause.
For now, however, he will have to make do with the honour of being named our Bowler of the Month for July.
Stuart Broad Admits His Cricketing Heroes Were Australian Fast Bowlers
Aug 3, 2015
England's Stuart Broad celebrates taking the wicket of Australia's Chris Rogers LBW for 6 on the second day of the third Test match of the five match series between England and Australia at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham, England, Thursday, July 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
England fast bowler and Australian public enemy No.1 Stuart Broad has made a shocking revelation, by admitting that as a young cricketer growing up, his heroes were Australian.
Broad has taken 75 wickets against the old enemy at an average of 29.54, but he became universally hated in Australia when he refused to walk after edging a delivery at Trent Bridge in 2013. He went on to score 65 runs to set up a series-defining victory.
But despite father Chris also playing for England, Broad has identified Australian legend Glenn McGrath as his biggest hero. Talking at a Hardys Wine function at Lord's, Broad said, via Fox Sports:
I was very proud of Dad and what he achieved in Ashes cricket, but actually my heroes were slightly different growing up. They weren’t English. As a young kid you get influenced by winning teams, don’t you? So Glenn McGrath is my hero and watching Australian players succeed, I enjoyed that.
Following this surprising revelation, Broad will lead the England attack in the fourth Ashes Test starting at Trent Bridge on Thursday. He'll be looking to join the likes of Jimmy Anderson and Ian Botham on the list of England bowlers to have taken 300 Test wickets.
England's triumphant win over Australia at Edgbaston, which put them 2-1 up in the 2015 Ashes, came with one dark cloud—namely the injury to their premium bowler Jimmy Anderson...
James Anderson Injury: Updates on England Cricket Star's Status and Ashes Return
Jul 31, 2015
England's James Anderson walks back to the pavilion after coming off injured mid-over on the second day of the third Ashes cricket test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham, central England, on July 30, 2015. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS
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England will be without pace bowler James Anderson for the fifth Test of the 2015 Ashes series after the player suffered a side strain on July 30.
Continue for updates.
Anderson to Miss Remainder of Ashes
Wednesday, Aug. 19
Jonathan Agnew of the BBC confirmed Anderson's status for the Oval Test.
Anderson suffered the injury with England on the brink of a third Test victory in Birmingham, looking to establish a 2-1 series lead, per BBC Sport. Despite the interruption, the Three Lions sealed the win and followed up with a stunning display in the pivotal fourth Test, confirming a famous Ashes triumph.
Anderson's pre-injury contribution was vital. He provided the response England needed after their second-Test hammering at Lord's by assuming control with six wickets on the first day at Edgbaston.
England removed the visitors for 136 during that first innings, with Anderson taking six for 47, reported by Sam Sheringham of BBC Sport. After going wicketless at Lord's, Anderson's remarkable turnaround was the catalyst for the home side's revival and eventual series win.
However, that contribution will prove to be his last.
Anderson took 10 wickets this series across 87 overs, recorded by ESPN Cricinfo. This includes 20 maidens and 275 runs conceded with an economy of 3.16.
His performance in Birmingham was his most prolific, with his second-best stats coming at Cardiff, where he finished with three for 43 during Australia's first innings.
England vs. Australia, 3rd Test, Day 1: James Anderson the Hero at Edgbaston
Jul 29, 2015
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 29: James Anderson of England celebrates after taking the wicket of Mitchell Johnson of Australia during day one of the 3rd Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston on July 29, 2015 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
After being demolished at Lord's in the last match, England quickly turned the tables on Australia by dominating a rain-hit Day 1 of the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston.
James Anderson claimed six for 47 as the hosts made the most of Michael Clarke's generous decision to let them bowl first, dismissing their opponents for a paltry 136.
England were close to parity by the close of play in Birmingham, England, reaching stumps on 133 for three in reply. Ian Bell made 53 on his home ground, though he was dismissed just before the heavens opened again.
However, not even an early finish due to bad weather could dampen England's mood. Here are some of the key talking points from Wednesday's action.
King of the swingers
England bowler James Anderson (2L) celebrates taking six of Australia's ten wickets in the first innings on the first day of the third Ashes cricket test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham, central England, on July 29, 2015. AF
On a docile track and with the sun shining brightly, Anderson returned match figures of none for 137 in the second Test at Lord’s.
Given the chance to bowl first on a pitch offering a little assistance in Birmingham, he took just eight balls to make a mark on proceedings.
David Warner was the first of Anderson’s six victims in an outstanding display—the Lancastrian moved the ball through the air and off the surface as he returned his best Ashes figures, per Sky Sports:
Shane Warne was certainly impressed, telling Sky Sports: "You can try things like moving your fingers wider apart [on the ball] but you still have to get the length right—Jimmy did that beautifully and showed all his cleverness and skill."
The green, green grass on the Edgbaston wicket definitely helped Anderson feel right at home. How he must wish for pitches like this in the remaining matches—at Trent Bridge and the Oval.
Back with a bang
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Steven Finn of England celebrates after taking the wicket of Steve Smith of Australia during day one of the 3rd Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston on July 29, 2015 in Birmingham, United King
While Anderson rightly took centre stage after his six-for, fellow seamers Stuart Broad and Steven Finn played excellent supporting roles.
England only used three bowlers as Australia were all out in 36.4 overs. It was short and not so sweet for the tourists, as Ali Martin pointed out on Twitter:
Six for 47 from James Anderson as Australia are skittled for 136 in 36.4 overs ... two balls fewer than England's second innings at Lord's
Finn marked his return to the Test XI with two crucial scalps.
The Middlesex seamer needed just six balls to make an impact on his comeback, getting Steve Smith caught at first slip with the final delivery of his opening over.
Useful return to Test cricket for Steven Finn. No game for two years, then you get the world's No 1 batsman in your first over
He also cleaned up Michael Clarke with a full-length delivery, meaning Australia’s captain has now mustered 91 runs in five innings in the series.
It was a far cry from the previous Ashes series—Finn flew home early from the tour of Australia in 2013/14 after stand-in coach Ashley Giles said, per Andrew McGlashan of ESPN Cricinfo: “Steven is not selectable at the moment.”
The 26-year-old certainly proved a good selection at Edgbaston, having been chosen ahead of Mark Wood.
The pantomime villain
Australia's Mitchell Johnson prepares to bowl on the first day of the third Ashes cricket test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham, central England, on July 29, 2015. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS
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Mitchell Johnson reached a milestone during his brief innings with the bat, joining a select band of Australian all-rounders as he made it to 2,000 Test runs:
However, that was a rare highlight on an otherwise forgettable day for the Queenslander.
First, he contributed just three runs to Australia’s cause before being caught in the slips, in the process becoming Anderson's fifth wicket of the innings.
With England firmly on top, the crowd did not wait long to begin baiting the bowler when he was out in the field.
His failure to cut off a boundary with a sliding stop led to ironic cheers, while Johnson’s next piece of work in the deep saw him launch a throw high over the head of wicketkeeper Peter Nevill.
When the left-arm paceman—one of the key contributors to Australia's success in the last Test—was called into the attack, he sent down four relatively harmless overs at a cost of 20 runs.
There was a wide called when a bouncer to Joe Root was so short the Englishman couldn’t have hit it with a barge pole, let alone a bat.
Root did get his bat on one dug in short again soon after, sending it all the way over the rope for six:
Mitchell Johnson walks back to his mark after being hit for six by Joe Root. Photo: Visionhaus pic.twitter.com/8EfuIGByIV
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Australian captain Michael Clarke during day one of the 3rd Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston on July 29, 2015 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sam Bagnall - AMA/Getty Images)
During the Ashes series of 2005, Australia’s captain Ricky Ponting won the toss at Edgbaston and opted to bowl first.
The logic behind his decision was clear: England had been bowled out for 155 and 180 in the previous Test at Lord’s, leaving them vulnerable to crumbling again under pressure.
The plan, however, backfired spectacularly. Without the injured Glenn McGrath, Australia conceded 407 in 79.2 overs. They went on to lose the match by two runs, surrendering their lead in a series they eventually lost by a 2-1 scoreline.
Move forward to 2015 and current Australia skipper Clarke, fresh off a landslide win at Lord’s, decided against following in the footsteps of his former leader.
He opted to bat first, then watched on as his side collapsed in a heap.
By the close, with England only three runs behind, Clarke was probably not able to see the humour in Peter Mattessi’s tweet:
