Bell geared up to replace Pietersen in England one-day cricket

London: England batsman Ian Bell has said he is ready to cement his place in the one-day squad following Kevin Pietersen’s shock retirement decision from the limited over format of the game.

Bell has played 108 one-day internationals and appeared in every batting position from one to seven, but has never replicated his Test form, but this time he is determined to make a mark in the limited over format as well. “It was a real shock when I heard the news about Kev. He is his own man and makes his own decisions,” The Sun quoted Bell, as saying. “Captain Alastair Cook made some comments about it giving an opportunity for someone else, and I certainly want to get myself back into the England team in all forms of the game,” he added. “I’ll be working hard to take the opportunity should it arise. There are younger players coming through but I hope I still have a shout. I have unfinished business in ODIs. In one-day cricket I’d like to nail down a position in the top three,” he said. ANI