Ian Bell slams England rotation policy against India

The ECB’s rotation policy has been a hot topic of debate of late. While many experts were of the opinion that it’s fair to rotate the players to give them some rest in this packed calendar, others have not refrained from criticizing the move. Post England’s hammering against India in the third Test, former England batsmen, Ian Bell has hit out at the management for rotating players in this key series. 

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"I think England have been guilty of thinking too far ahead of having a squad for the Ashes when actually this is bigger than the Ashes; this is probably as big as the Ashes. Why are we rotating in the biggest Test series you are playing in? For me that's where England have gone a bit wrong."

He further added that England missed a trick on this tour. He said that it was a great opportunity for England to make an impact in India. 

"These tours, certainly for Englishmen coming to India or going to Australia are the pinnacle. They make your careers, you look back and if you win in those conditions, they are remembered for a long long time.”

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India will be touring England for a 5 match Test series later in the year and Bell believes that Kohli's men won’t make this mistake of not playing their best players.

"For me, India are going to come to England in the summer. If they are 2-0 or 1-0 up will they rotate? I know for a fact that when India come in the summer they won't be rotating their best bowlers or their best players or leave somebody out. They want to win."

Bell revealed that no team want to change their winning combination, especially if you are up against quality opposition. England after winning the first test made 4 changes in the second Test which they lost by a massive margin of 317 runs

"In international cricket, you have to be so careful between the balance of looking after your players and doing bubbles but don't look too far ahead. International cricket changes all the time, form comes in and out as you play. When you are playing well, don't lose it or change it; winning combinations are so important to keep against the best teams in the world."