Ian Bell to be promoted up the order
England are considering promoting Ian Bell up the order after Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood failed to have any impact in the middle order. Ian Bell is in spectacular form and has been consistently performing in the current Ashes series. Even in the
face of the 267 run defeat he performed commendably for the England batting line up. His series average now stands at 71 having scored 213 runs. Critics have been arguing that England are not making the most of his talents as he comes in at number six. Paul
Collingwood has, however, been in very poor form as he has managed to score only 62 runs at an average of 15.5.
Prior to the Ashes, Ian Bell was sidelined with a foot injury; however he has now made good headway in the current series. Flower admitted that there was always the option of promoting Bell up the order. He said that his team and management were always looking
to improve their side and Bell has looked in good form.
"Jiggling with batting orders and personnel is always an option, but you have to be careful about altering a side that has been very successful over the last 18 months. Of course, those options are always open,” Flower said.
The coach was also very supportive of the spinner Graeme Swann who could not find his usual form at WACA. The lively nature of the pitch meant that the spinner had little impact and could only bowl 25 over’s claiming just two wickets. Flower said that he
was expecting Swann to make a comeback in the fourth test at Melbourne.
"There wasn't much turn there for him, so it was a difficult task," Flower said. "That affected the whole momentum of the game, but I don't blame him for that, it was a tough ask. Melbourne is a whole different set of conditions."
Meanwhile he dismissed concerns over burdening the young bowler Steve Finn. Finn has been very impressive during his current Ashes series and has taken 14 wickets more than anyone else in the series. Flower stated that Finn has handled himself well in Australian
conditions and that he expected the young lot to shoulder responsibility to which they have responded in great fashion. He also mentioned that they would be looking to attack the fragile Australian top order.
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