Cricket: Rotation policy right for England, says Bell

Backs decision to rest bowlers ahead of final ODI against WI.

LONDON: Ian Bell has backed England’s policy of rotating their bowlers in a bid to combat the draining effects of a gruelling international schedule.

With the One-Day International (ODI) series against the West Indies already won with a match to spare, England’s selectors have opted to rest three of their leading bowlers – Stuart Broad, Tim Bresnan and Graeme Swann – for today’s final fixture at Headingley.

It is not the first time this year that England coach Andy Flower has taken precautions to avoid his squad suffering from burnout. Broad and James Anderson missed the last Test against the West Indies at Edgbaston earlier this month after the series was wrapped up.

Lancashire pace bowler Anderson was not completely happy to be forced out of action. But Bell is convinced his side must continue tinkering with their line-up to ensure the likes of Broad, Bresnan and Swann – the only three remaining regulars for Tests, ODIs and Twenty20s – are fresh heading into the forthcoming limited-overs matches against Australia and the Test series against South Africa.

“We have a heavy schedule and we need to look after these guys,” said Bell, who has scored a century and a half-century in England’s last two victories. “A huge series against Australia is coming up, and South Africa after that. The key to our success in ODIs is having five out-and-out world-class bowlers. So if we want to beat the Australians, we want these guys fit and fresh.”

Young pace bowler Stuart Meaker, all-rounder Chris Woakes and spinner James Tredwell have been called up to the squad.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2012.