Bell wary of threat from Ireland

Page last updated at 14:45 GMT, Monday, 28 February 2011

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011
Tournament dates: 19 February-2 April Venues: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
Coverage: Highlights on BBC TV (see listings), Red Button & BBC Sport website at 2200 GMT every day (UK users only); Live Test Match Special commentary (BBC 5 live sports extra, online, some games also on BBC Radio 4 LW) and live text commentary on England matches and selected others; Live on Sky Sports

England earn last-ball tie against India

Ian Bell says England's mindset for Wednesday's World Cup Group B tie against Ireland will be the same as if they were playing India.

England's remarkable match against India ended in a tie on Sunday but Bell believes his team-mates will have to improve to avoid a shock defeat.

"This Irish team has guys who are respected in domestic cricket," Bell told the BBC's Jonathan Agnew.

"We'll turn up like we're playing India and make sure we do the basics right."

The Ireland squad includes Bell's Warwickshire team-mate Boyd Rankin, who conceded almost seven runs per over in the defeat by Bangladesh in Mirpur.

The England batsman said his county colleague was capable of much better performances.

"I think Boyd has got a lot of ability and he is someone who could go quite a long way in this game," the 28-year-old added.

"I have seen him bowl some fantastic spells at good pace and with really good bounce.

Bell taking positives from epic draw

"Playing at Dhaka is probably not the easiest place to play for a 6ft 6in-plus guy.

"If you are slightly off line to someone as good as Tamim Iqbal, you get punished."

Bell made 69 against India and helped put on 170 for the third wicket alongside captain Andrew Strauss, who eventually fell for a career-best one-day international score of 158.

England managed to match their opponents' daunting total of 338 in a performance which was a vast improvement on their opening display against The Netherlands, where they struggled to a six-wicket win.

England return to the scene of the thrilling draw - M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore - for their third match.

Paceman Stuart Broad had to miss Sunday's encounter because of a stomach upset, but he is expected to train on Monday.

Ireland's side contains Ed Joyce, who was in England's 2007 World Cup squad.

The Irish lost to England by 48 runs in the Super Eights in that tournament.

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A.nemdil & Press Agencies