As England ready themselves for another battle on the subcontinent, Ian Bell believes the appointment of Mahela Jayawardene will go a long way to strengthening their chances of returning victorious.
The Ashes winners added Jayawardene and Paul Collingwood as batting consultants for the tour to the UAE as they look to fare better than the 3-0 whitewash of the last trip.
And Bell has highlighted Jayawardene’s knowledge and ability on the subcontinent as key factors to helping England adapt to conditions they have found difficult in the past.
“Both are brilliant appointments and Mahela was one of the best players on the subcontinent so to have him with us throughout the build up is huge for us,” Bell said.
“Having played a lot against him I know how hard he is to get out in those conditions so I will certainly be picking his brains throughout the tour.
“When you are at this level you are always trying to get better and when you have someone like him around you ask him for advice.
“For the young members of the squad, if they can learn something for three or four years time when we are travelling to India, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka it will stand us in good stead.”
With the squad for the tour including a variety of players able to fill different roles, Bell is happy that England have the right blend to adapt to the conditions ahead of them.
“The squad for the UAE has a lot of options, not only with the openers slot but also with the formation of bowlers we could play,” Bell said.
“We have a number of all-rounders in the squad too it gives us the flexibility and adaptability that, from experience, we will need in the UAE.
“Winning away from home has become harder and harder and if we were to go there and win it would be right up there with wins in Australia and India.
“Last time we were there it was some of the toughest cricket I have ever played so I know what is around the corner and how well we are going to have to play to win the series.”
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