Warwickshire County Cricket Club has secured a new contract with batsman Ian Bell, who has signed a one-year extension for the 2021 season, which will take his time in the Club’s senior ranks to 23 years.
Coventry-born Bell (38) is one of the most decorated cricketers in Warwickshire history having won six domestic trophies and scoring 17,350 runs, with 38 centuries, across all formats to date. He is also the most capped England men’s cricketer to have worn the Bear & Ragged Staff.
In the international game, Bell is one of only three Englishmen to have won the Ashes five times in his 118-cap Test career, which included 7,727 runs with 22 centuries. Bell also made 161 One-Day International appearances for England and scored 5,416 runs; a record that has only been surpassed by Eoin Morgan and Joe Root.
“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.
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.”
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.
“I still harbour big ambitions of winning more silverware and I know Farby and the rest of the squad share this determination and excitement.
Ian Bell
“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.
“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.”
