BELL: PACE PALS WILL BE KEY TO ASHES

S a holiday destination it’s hard to top Sri Lanka.

Just ask Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad. It might, though, be a blessing in disguise – Broady and Jimmy haven’t been bowled into the ground.

“They have had a bit of a rest and if they can hit the ground running next summer then that will be fantastic for an Ashes summer.”

For once Ashes question marks don’t hover over English heads. Instead they’ve gathered menacingly over an Australian side that doesn’t appear to know whether it’s coming or going.

Injuries to major bowlers, coupled with the suspensions of David Warner and Steve Smith, have left Australia in something approaching disarray as they prepare for their first Test of their summer against India at Adelaide this week.

On home soil, you would still expect them to cause the world No1 ranked side problems. But there is currently little about this Aussie side that inspires fear.

So should fans be popping the champagne corks in anticipation of England reclaiming the Ashes already?

“That might a bit premature,” says Bell.

“I wouldn’t write them off. If Australia can get their first choice attack on the park then they proved last winter just how good they are.

“It’s a very good attack with a world-class spinner (in Nathan Lyon) as well. They will still be a challenge for England, especially when those three players come back from their bans too.

“If everyone is fully fit then I think it will be a fantastic series.

“In fact, next summer is going to be phenomenal with a World Cup and then the Ashes. It could be a huge, huge year for English cricket.”

Bell’s run-scoring for

Warwickshire suggests that he has lost little of his appetite for the game though an England recall is unlikely.

But England reclaiming the Ashes looks far more probable than it did when they flew home from Australia with their tails between their legs in January.