Skip to content

Ian Bell signs one-year Warwickshire extension to play for 2021 season

Bell has won six domestic trophies with the Bears and scored 17,350 runs across all formats

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell says retirement is not on his mind after signing a new one-year contract until the end of 2021.

Ian Bell will play for Warwickshire's senior ranks for a 23rd year after signing a 12-month extension for the 2021 season.

Bell, 38, has won six domestic trophies with the Bears and scored 17,350 runs across all formats to go with his 7,727 runs in 118 Tests for England.

"Ian is a winner, and everyone associated with Warwickshire CCC is naturally delighted that he has put pen to paper and reinforced his great commitment to his home county," said Warwickshire's sport director Paul Farbrace.

"With Warwickshire, Ian has won every domestic trophy possible and he was part of one of the greatest England teams of all time. Having his knowledge and experience in the dressing room at Edgbaston is fantastic for our young players who can continue to learn from one of the greatest players in our history.

"It's also important to remember that in the last season that Ian took to the field, he was one of the leading run-scorers in both Championship and the Blast. He has still got a huge appetite for scoring runs and winning games of cricket, so we're thrilled that he will continue to do this for Warwickshire."

Woakes celebrates England's Ashes win in 2013 with Warwickshire team-mate Ian Bell
Image: Woakes celebrates England's Ashes win in 2013 with Warwickshire team-mate Ian Bell

Bell came into the Warwickshire set-up as a 10-year-old and progressed through the county age-group system and academy. He made his first-class debut in 1999 and became a fixed part of the senior team in 2001, winning his county cap later that year.

"It means a huge amount to me, and my family, that I am able to continue representing my home county," said Bell.

Also See:

"I still harbour big ambitions of winning more silverware and I know Farby and the rest of the squad share this determination and excitement.

"I've been fortunate to be part of some fantastic Warwickshire sides that have won trophies across formats throughout my time with the club, and I firmly believe that we are building for another period of challenging for more titles.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Ian Bell of Warwickshire bats during day two of Specsavers County Championship Division Two between Warwickshire and Derbyshire at Edgbaston on May 4, 2018 in Birmingham, England.
Image: Bell in action for Warwickshire against Derbyshire in the 2018 Specsavers County Championship

"In the last couple of years we've seen some really promising young players come into the side and make an immediate impression.

"Part of my role now is to provide support to them as they have the potential to achieve a huge amount both with Warwickshire and England.

"I believe that it's a very exciting time for the club and I can't wait to get back out there wearing the Bear & Ragged Staff."

Around Sky