Ian Bell Gutted to be Ruled Out of Test Series vs South Africa
Ian Bell has scored just one Test century since July 2014 and has struggled for form recently.
England batsman Ian Bell is devastated after being left out of the squad for the Test series against South Africa.
Reacting on Twitter, Bell said: "I'm absolutely gutted not to be selected for the tour to South Africa."
I'm absolutely gutted not to be selected for the tour to SA. I certainly feel I could have contributed out there & have been working...
- Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) November 19, 2015
The decision to leave Bell out was announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday.(Pietersen Slams Bell's Sacking)
Bell added that he was confident of doing well on the tour and had worked hard to get ready.
"I certainly feel I could have contributed out there and have been working tirelessly to get into the best possible condition for the tour," he said.
..tirelessly 2 get into the best possible condition for the tour. I'm going2enjoy a winter break with my family for the 1st time in 11yrs..
- Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) November 19, 2015
With 7,727 runs, Bell is the eighth-highest Test scorer in England's history, but the 33-year-old has struggled for form of late and has scored only one Test century since July 2014.
Batsmen Nick Compton and Gary Ballance both earn recalls, but Adil Rashid drops out, leaving Moeen Ali and Samit Patel as England's frontline spinners.
England arrive in South Africa on December 11 and are due to play four Test matches, five ODIs and two T20 internationals.
England pacer Stuart Broad, who made it to the squad, backed Bell, asserting that Bell has the talent and experience to bounce back.
"He will be very determined to work hard and get back in. We know in cricket that opportunities do arise and, although he is not in this Test tour to South Africa, he won't see that as the end of his career," Broad said.
"He will be working hard after a bit of a break to improve, put runs on the board and get back in this England side. You can be one injury away from getting your spot back and he will work on his game. I am sure he won't rest. He will be very focused," he added.
(With Inputs from IANS)