Bell to join England A Team in West Indies

Ian Bell will fly to the West Indies to join the England A Team on Tuesday 13 February. The Warwickshire batsman and England Under 19 captain, will provide batting cover following the injury to Aftab Habib and concern over the fitness of current opening batsman, Michael Powell.

Powell suffered a groin strain while training for the current match against the Windward Islands and, although he was deemed fit to play, it was considered prudent to provide batting cover in case of further injury.

Bell, aged 18, returned home this morning (Friday) from the recent England U19 tour of India. In the three-match Test Match series, he scored 332 runs at an average of 55.3, including one century and two fifties.

Chairman of Selectors, David Graveney, said, "We selected Ian because he has just come back from India and so has been playing recent competitive cricket. He had a very good tour, is an outstanding player and is clearly one for the future."

Ian Bell said, "I was told when I came through customs this morning on our return from India. It was a massive surprise to hear I had been selected and is a real honour for me. I am now looking forward to a couple of relaxing days before I fly out."

For further information, contact Mark Hodgson, ECB Corporate Affairs, 07767 764 947