Bell backs Root, Cook to form long-term 'potent' opening combination

England batsman Ian Bell has backed his teammate Joe Root and captain Alastair Cook to stand the test of time and form a potent opening partnership for years to come.

According to the Guardian, Bell, with 317 runs in his four innings, is the leading run-scorer in the Ashes series to date, with the 22-year-old Root second with 221, although Cook is struggling for form with a score of 83.

However, Bell said that he could see a long-term potential in the England captain's left-hand/right-hand combination with Root at the top of the order, adding that England will have a good opening partnership for a long time when Cook starts scoring again.

According to the Warwickshire batsman, Root is very cool and calm while batting and is very mature for his age, although he turns chirpy once he is in the dressing room, adding that he was impressed by the way Root and Tim Bresnan played in England's second innings at Lord's despite losing three quick wickets, and facing a fierce attack from Australia.

Bell, who has been lifted into top 10 of England centurions with 19 in total, the same number scored by Sir Len Hutton, further praised Root, saying that the young player had fought hard for his runs and had then taken advantage at easier times like a good batsman.

Meanwhile, Bell confirmed that Cook has not issued any guidelines to his players over waiting for decisions, saying that he had also not noticed any talk about the fact from either team, adding that good and bad decisions tended to even out a player's career.