Xtra Time Web Desk: Former England batsman Ian Bell has slammed England’s much debated rotation policy for the lackluster show in the ongoing series against India. According to Bell, the England selectors are thinking too far ahead and have gone totally wrong with constant chopping and changing in an important series against India.
England started the four match test series with a bang, comprehensively winning the first test in Chennai with captain Joe Root leading the way with a brilliant double hundred. Veteran James Anderson put up a stellar performance with the ball in India’s second innings to give England a thumping win. But the experienced bowler found himself being rested for the second test.
England suffered an embarrassing 10 wickets loss to the hosts in the third Pink Ball Test to go 1-2 down and also getting knocked out of the World Test Championship final in June.
“I think England have been guilty of thinking too far ahead of having a squad for the Ashes when actually this is bigger than the Ashes, this is probably as big as the Ashes,” Bell told ‘ESPNcricinfo’.
“Why are we rotating in the biggest Test series you are playing in? For me that’s where England have gone a bit wrong,” he added.
The 38-year-old, who featured in 118 Tests for England, feels for the English players for whom the tours to India and Australia can make or break careers.
“These tours, certainly for Englishmen coming to India or going to Australia are the pinnacle. They make your careers, you look back and if you win in those conditions they are remembered for a long long time,” Bell said.
“For me, India are going to come to England in the summer. If they are 2-0 or 1-0 up will they rotate? I know for a fact that when India come in the summer they won’t be rotating their best bowlers or their best players or leave somebody out. They want to win.”
Bell feels sticking to winning combinations is important while competing with the best teams in the world. He said form is subject to playing.
“In international cricket you have to be so careful between the balance of looking after your players and doing bubbles but don’t look too far ahead.
“International cricket changes all the time, form comes in and out as you play. When you re playing well don’t lose it or change it, winning combinations are so important to keep against the best teams in the world.”