Thaindian News

Colombo, Mar. 26 (ANI): Middle-order batsman Ian Bell will open England’s innings against Sri Lanka in the fourth and final quarterfinal match of the 2011 World Cup being played at the R. Premadasa Stadium here on Saturday.

According to The Sun, swing bowler James Anderson will also play the match after being dropped for the must-win final group match against West Indies last week. He returns at the expense of Chris Tremlett.

Bell becomes skipper Andrew Strauss’ third opening partner in the tournament after Kevin Pietersen, who returned home with a back injury, and a struggling Matt Prior.

Meanwhile, Strauss remains convinced that England’s rollercoaster World Cup journey has made his players tougher and stronger.

He said that the team’s fighting spirit would help them prevail in today’s quarter-final against Sri Lanka.

“We have shown a lot of resolve, we have shown we’re able to stick together in close encounters. We must be quick enough to adapt to whatever comes our way in this match. We have got to play good, smart, intelligent cricket and ask questions of the opposition,” Strauss said.

“It’s a one-off. If we lose, we are on the plane home. If we win, we are in a World Cup semi-final. As players, you get used to switching on and off when situations demand. It’s a big challenge because Sri Lanka are a good side with a lot of attacking options with bat and ball,” he added.

Pacer Tim Bresnan is likely to be fit after suffering a sore calf earlier in the week, while Lankan off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who retires from international cricket at the end of the tournament, has recovered from a hamstring injury. (ANI)