Former England batsman Ian Bell announces retirement from cricket

Thirty-eight-year-old spent entire 21-year career at Warwickshire

Ian Bell leaves the field (Getty Images)

Former England batsman Ian Bell has announced his retirement from professional cricket.

The 38-year-old took to social media on Saturday to share the news, which brings to a close a 21-year professional career, all of which was spent with his home country Warwickshire.

“My body simply can't keep up with the demands of the game to the standard of which I expect of myself,”  Bell wrote.

“It's true when they say you know when the time's right, and unfortunately, my time is now.

“To have been part of an England Test team to reach number one in the world, to win five Ashes series, one of them as player of the series, and an away series in India is some return for a young lad who simply dreamt of batting at Edgbaston.

“Thank you to all the cricket fans for the most unbelievable support I've had throughout my career.” 

Bell, who won six trophies with Warwickshire, said he now intends to pursue a coaching career.

Only Sir Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen have scored more Test centuries for England than Bell, who recorded 7,727 Test runs – averaging 42.69 per match.

Bell also played 161 one-day internationals and eight Twenty20s.

He was player of the series in the 2013 Ashes, in which he hit three centuries in five matches as England beat Australia 3-0.

Bell is the last player to retire out of all of those who featured in the famous 2005 Ashes series.