Ashes 2013-14: England have been thoroughly disappointing – Bell
Ashes 2013-14: Ian Bell admits England have been "thoroughly disappointing" after Australia tightened their grip on second Test
Ian Bell admitted England have been thoroughly disappointing after Mitchell Johnson’s powerful performance left Australia on the brink of winning second Test.
The fast bowler secured figures of 7-40, including the wickets of Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad, as England could only muster 172 all out in response to Australia’s first innings tally of 570-9 declared.
Andy Flower and Cookie will be hurting and they will want all of us, from one to 11, to put this right!
Ian Bell
The Aussies opted against enforcing the follow-on and were left on 4-2 after England bowler James Anderson ousted Chris Rogers and Shane Watson at the start of their second innings.
However, David Warner helped steady the hosts before captain Michaal Clarke fell to Monty Panesar, and Australia finished day three on 132-3, 530 runs ahead of the holders.
And England batsman Ian Bell (72*) couldn’t hide his disappointment at their poor showing in Adelaide.
“It’s thoroughly disappointing. It is a very good wicket and we haven’t given our bowlers any opportunity to get back in the game,” Bell told BBC Sport.
“The guys are hurting but I reassure you they are doing everything to get this back. We’ve shown fight in the dressing-room in the past. We haven’t done that so far this series but we have to put that right tomorrow and on the last day.
“Give Mitchell Johnson credit, but as an England team we haven’t done anything close to what we are capable. Andy Flower and Cookie will be hurting and they will want all of us, from one to 11, to put this right!”
