England vs India 2011: Fletcher a huge bonus for Team India, says Ian Bell

Ian Bell was wary about Fletcher’s understanding about the game and believes that will act as a huge bonus for Team India

Ahead of the high-voltage clash between India and England at Lord’s, England mainstay Ian Bell believes that the presence of Duncan Fletcher with the Indian team will be an added bonus for the team. He also said that Fletcher particularly knew him and some of his teammates very well though the England he coached eight five years before is completely different from what it is now.

“It’s great for India, Duncan Fletcher knows English cricket very well and was very successful over here,

“He knows Straussy well, he knows myself, he knows Kevin Pietersen. I’m sure we’ve changed as characters and matured since he’s been away, but he’ll have a good insight and there’s no doubt that’s a massive plus for India.”

Ian Bell was wary of Fletcher’s understanding about the game and acknowledged his contribution to the English side under his tenure. “He’s quite a quiet man and goes about his business in his own way,” he said at an adidas event. “He’ll know everything about what England have. In 2005 he was a massive part of the plans we had for the Australians – like going round the wicket to Adam Gilchrist – and he’s got an unbelievable cricket brain. That’s his massive strength. We know he’s an incredible coach.”

Bell was also wary of India’s batting lineup and bowling resources. “We respect them, but you can’t over-respect them. You have to have the confidence that you can beat them,” he said. “India are No. 1 in the world and you don’t just do that by having six great batsmen, you do that by taking 20 wickets. They’ve got world-class bowlers, but that can also bring the best out of our team.“

“Last time here Zaheer was incredible, and Harbhajan Singh has just hit 400 Test wickets so it’s a massive challenge,” he added.

Ian Bell has been in incredible form, averaging 300-plus this year and has come a long way since he worked with Fletcher.