England batsman Ian Bell has said England is aware of what to expect in the first Test of the winter Ashes series, starting at the Gabba on November 21, and is confident that they can overcome Australia in their own home pitch.
According to The Independent, Bell believes that there is nothing more exciting than the first morning of an Ashes series, even though every person taking the field will be struggling to conceal their nerves.
Stating that there is a fantastic atmosphere at the Gabba, Bell said that England has shown that they can bounce back and are at their best when most-pressurised, which was evident in the 2010 series, which they won despite conceding more than 200 on first innings.
Bell further said that his team has had a good preparation during the warm-up matches in Australia despite the rain with many of their players registering centuries, adding that to have three tall fast bowlers vying for the final fast-bowling spot bodes well for them in the Test.
According to Bell, it was a good idea to start their tour in Perth as the venue has very fast nets, which gave England players an opportunity to get to grips with what the conditions can be like in Australia, adding that once a player is set, there is nowhere better to bat than Australia with its great facilities, weather and tough, competitive cricket.