Bell defends England’s decision to bat first in Ashes opener

BRISBANE - England middle-order batsman Ian Bell has defended his team’s decision to bat first in the ongoing opening Ashes Test in Brisbane, saying that it was “not a million miles away from par”.

England were undone by a Peter Siddle’s six-wicket haul including a hat-trick on the first day, which restricted the visitors to 260 in the first innings.

“We are certainly under par, but credit to Siddle, it was a fantastic spell. The ball swung around, but it was the right decision to bat first,” the BBC quoted Bell, as saying.

“It’s a better day than we had last time we were here. The guys are still in good spirits, we know what we need to do and the guys are ready for it,” he added.

The 28-year-old also believes that his team can battle their way back into the Test with their bowling.

“The ball swung around all day, which is unusual in Australia, and if we have the same conditions we back our guys to put it in the right places,” Bell said.

England had lost the 2006 Ashes Test at the Gabba, when the home side amassed 346-3 on day one and went on to win by 277 runs, their first victory in a 5-0 series whitewash. (ANI)