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Former England batter Ian Bell announced he would retire at the end of the domestic season on this day in 2020.<\/p>\n
The five-time Ashes winner spent his entire career with Warwickshire and announced his decision to retire once the campaign concluded, with a shortened Bob Willis Trophy replacing that season\u2019s County Championship due to Covid.<\/p>\n
The then 38-year-old won 118 Test caps in total, while also featuring in 161 one-day internationals and eight T20 internationals.<\/p>\n
Bell was part of the side which reclaimed the Ashes in 2005 and would lift the urn on four further occasions during a Test career which produced 7,727 runs at an average of 42.69 and 22 centuries.<\/p>\n
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He made his Test debut in 2004, scoring an impressive 70 against West Indies and giving a glimpse of what was to come during his illustrious career.<\/p>\n
Although he averaged just 17.1 in the 2005 Ashes, Bell was a part of four further series victories against Australia, playing a more prominent role in regaining the urn in 2009 and further wins in 2013 and 2015.<\/p>\n
Bell finished his career with 20,440 first-class runs, including 57 centuries.<\/p>\n
Bell said in a statement announcing his retirement: \u201cIt\u2019s true when they say you know when the time\u2019s right, and unfortunately, my time is now.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile my hunger and enthusiasm for the sport that I love remain as strong as ever, my body simply can\u2019t keep up with the demands of the game to the standard of which I expect of myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been an absolute privilege and honour to fulfil my boyhood dream of playing for both England and Warwickshire. As a child, to play just once for either would have been enough for me, but to do so for the past 22 years is more than I could have ever wished for.<\/p>\n
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\u201cTo have spent my entire career and won trophies with my boyhood club is something both myself and my family are enormously proud of. To everyone associated with the club; the staff, players, fans and anyone I\u2019ve worked with during this time: thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bell added that he was offered a new deal but could not sign on the dotted line because he \u201ccouldn\u2019t disrespect the club I love by being unable to play to the level they deserve\u201d.<\/p>\n