Bell faces up to three months on sidelines
WARWICKSHIRE batsman Ian Bell has undergone surgery on his right foot after suffering a ligament tear in his toe.
The 36-year-old returned to Edgbaston two weeks ago after being hit in training for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League, which ruled him out of the Bears’ pre-season tour to the United Arab Emirates. The surgery is expected to require up to three months’ recovery time, although firstteam coach Jim Troughton hopes Bell could return sooner.
“Once the surgery is completed Ian will immediately start his rehabilitation programme,” he said. “There are always unknowns with surgery, but Ian has always kept his fitness at the top level throughout his career.
“We have an excellent medical team at Edgbaston, who will support Ian throughout the whole process, and we’re hopeful Ian can join the Bears on the field sooner rather than later.”
Meanwhile, Bears’ T20 team have received record demand for tickets since going on general sale – up 50 per cent compared to 2018. More than 6,000 have already been snapped up at the Early Bird price, showing a huge increase compared to the same time last year.
The derby against Worcestershire Rapids on Friday, August 23 has received the highest demand, with more than 1,000 tickets already sold.
Early Bird prices are only £15 – a saving of £4 per ticket.