Ian Bell retires from professional cricket

Former England batter Ian Bell has announced his retirement from professional cricket.

He took to social media to announce the news.

“It’s true when they say you know when the time’s right, and unfortunately, my time is now,” the 38-year-old said in a statement.

Here is the full statement-

“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.

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 been part of an England Test team to reach number one in the world, to win five Ashes Series, one of which as Player of the Series, and an away Series in India is some return for a young lad who simply dreamt of batting at Edgbaston.”

Bell debuted for England in Tests in 2004. He soon became one of the best batters to represent the country. He played in more than 200 matches for England and has more than 12,000 runs across all formats. He last represented the country in 2015 but was a regular for Warwickshire.

Bell missed out last season due to injury and had struggled with form since his return.