Ian Bell looking forward to Sri Lanka tour

Emdad Rahman: Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell has hailed the appointment of Mark Ramprakash to the England coaching set up and say's that the tour of Sri Lanka is crucial in building up team morale and rapport in the run up to the Cricket World Cup.

Bell spoke at the launch of the Royal London sponsorship launch with the PCA Benevolent Fund prior to the England Cricket team flying out to Sri Lanka.

"It's a great test for us," said Bell. The Sri Lankans are sure fire bets to be one of the favourites to lift the World Cup and our game preparations against them will be of tremendous benefit.

"With the World Cup months away what will be key for us is the the ability to put together a consistent run of form.

"The World Cup will be really exciting. England are capable of beating any of our competitors. The series defeat to India was not good for morale but we have plenty of character to pick up and compete with the best."

Bell, along with his team mates has relished the appointment of Mark Ramprakash to the position of national batting coach.

He added: "He (Ramprakash) is young, energetic and he knows a lot of the guys in the international set up. His experience and know how will be very helpful.