Ian Bell is relishing England's winter tour of India despite the difficult conditions that await Andy Flower's squad.
England batsman feeling positive ahead of winter fixtures
Ian Bell is relishing England's winter tour of India despite the difficult conditions that await Andy Flower's squad.
England's schedule includes include four Tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 games.
India are imposing on home soil having not lost a home Test series since a 2-1 defeat to Australia back in 2004.
However, Bell is looking at the positives and believes England's progressive squad can make the trip full of hope.
Challenge
"It's going to be very hard. You look at their home record, it's incredible. It's a massive challenge," he told
Sky Sports News HD.
"We've got a new captain and a younger-looking team. This is an exciting opportunity to go there. That's the best way to look at it.
"There's no doubt I think this winter has got some great cricket ahead. To be in this team it's looking great for the next 12 months."
The likes of Joe Root and Nick Compton have been included in England's squad and Bell is excited about the future of the team.
"We've got some good young cricketers around," he continued. "That's the great place English cricket is in right now.
"We've seen it with the bowling. When somebody miss out there's people to step up. I'm sure that's going to be the case with the batting."
Recall
Bell was recalled to England's one-day squad in June following Kevin Pietersen's retirement and he is pleased to have taken his chance at the top of the order.
The 30-year-old scored one hundred and four 50s since returning to the fold and the Warwickshire man is hoping to retain his spot alongside Test captain Alistair Cook for the foreseeable future.
"It was nice to get back into the one-day team and score some runs in that.
"Obviously it was disappointing to lose the Test series to South Africa, but overall it was a pretty good summer for us.
"In a way I was waiting for an opportunity, whether it was injury or someone to step down, so it was nice to get that and grab it with both hands.
"Hopefully I can just kick on now and me and Cooky can have a good partnership for years to come."
