Warwickshire's Ian Bell signs deal to play with Perth Scorchers in Big Bash League
Tuesday 30 August 2016 07:13, UK
Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell has signed a deal to play with Perth Scorchers in this season's Big Bash League.
The 34-year-old is apparently under consideration for a Test recall for England's winter tours to Bangladesh and India later this year, the last of which is scheduled to finish following the fifth and final match of the series which starts on December 16.
But Bell has now been recruited by the two-time Big Bash winners for all their group games, starting on December 23 against Adelaide Strikers at the WACA, and potential knockout matches.
Bell said: "The Scorchers have been a force in every season of the Big Bash and I'm really excited about joining up with the team in December and making The Furnace my home ground.
"I've spent a good amount of time in Perth on tours with England, but also playing grade cricket for the University of Western Australia during the early part of my career.
"It's a fantastic city and I'm looking forward to returning with my family and hopefully playing a key role for the Scorchers in BBL6."
The right-hander proved his sprint-format credentials for Birmingham Bears in this season's NatWest T20 Blast, top-scoring with 489 runs at an average of 40.75 in 13 innings.
With Hampshire batsman Michael Carberry unavailable to Perth after he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour last month, Bell will team up with fellow England international David Willey at the Scorchers.
Scorchers head coach Justin Langer said: "It's exciting to be able to add a player of Ian's top-level experience and quality to our squad.
"With 22 Test centuries and a one-day international average close to 40, he'll bolster our batting options.
"He's played at the international level for more than decade so brings experience and leadership having captained his county side Warwickshire and the Birmingham Bears. We're delighted to have him on board."
