Sri Lanka Appoints Ian Bell as Batting Coach

Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed former England batsman Ian Bell as the batting coach for their upcoming Test series against England, starting August 21. Bell, who has extensive experience playing in England, aims to help the Sri Lankan team navigate the local conditions and improve their batting performance. The series consists of three Tests and is crucial for both teams in the context of the World Test Championship, with Sri Lanka currently in fourth place and England in sixth. Bell will join the team on August 16, providing insights and coordinating with the existing coaching staff. This partnership is seen as vital for Sri Lanka, who are looking to secure their first Test series victory in England since 2014. The appointment follows Sri Lanka's recent ODI success against India, and both teams are under pressure to perform in this significant series.