'Scathing' Boycott sounds warning to 'misfiring' Bell ahead of third Ashes Test

Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has warned out-of-form Ian Bell that his career could come to an end if he doesn't score in the upcoming third Ashes Test, which starts in Edgbaston from July 29.

Bell has been pushed up to three in their batting order following the inclusion of Jonny Bairstow to the squad in place of Gary Ballance.

The veteran batsman, who has played 112 Test matches, has had a difficult summer so far, scoring just 116 runs in his eight innings.

Boycott insisted that the 33-year-old batsman should step up and act as a leader, adding that Bell should shoulder the responsibility for the very difficult position of number three and go up front, the BBC reported.

Boycott maintained that although he loves Bell's cricket, the batsman could be removed from the squad if he doesn't perform and employ his defensive techniques successfully against pace bowling.