Ian Bell has announced his decision to retire from all forms of cricket at the end of the ongoing season. The 38-year-old made the announcement through a post on Twitter where he said his body was failing to keep up with the pace of the game. Bell made his England debut in 2004 and represented the country in 118 Test matches, 161 ODIs and 8 Twenty20 Internationals. He last played for the national team in 2015 but has been an integral part of Warwickshire in English County cricket and recently signed a two-year contract at the county club. Ian Bell Announces Retirement From All Forms of Cricket With Emotional Post.

"It's true when they say you know when the time's right, and unfortunately, my time is now," he said in a statement he shared on social media. "While my hunger and enthusiasm for the sport that I love remain as strong as ever, my body simply can't keep up with the demands of the game to the standard of which I expect of myself."

Well wishes and tributes flowed in from all around the world for the stylish right-handed batsman, who was an instrumental part of England’s many memorable victories during his time with the national team. Many congratulated him on a storied career and wished well for the second innings.

What A Champion!!

There Will Never Be Another Like Ian Bell

One of the Most Stylish Batsmen in England Cricket

Congrats Ian Bell On a Great Career

All The Best

A Wonderful Legend of the Game

Bell scored 7727 runs in 118 Test matches for England with 22 centuries and 46 fifties to his name. He also represented the national team in over 150 ODI matches and scored 5416 runs with the help of four hundreds and 25 half-centuries. He has also a T20I fifty from eight games.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2020 09:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).