England v Australia: Bell warns England to keep foot on the gas in Trophy

A 48-run success at Edgbaston on Saturday not only improves the home side’s chances of progressing from Group A, but also represents an early psychological advantage ahead of this summer’s Ashes.

Bell had further reason for cheer after collecting the man-of-the-match honours for his hard-working 91.

That innings – the game’s highest by 36 runs – set England on the way to 269-6, a total they defended with aplomb, led by James Anderson’s 3-30.

Yet at the halfway stage, there was some frustration that England had not posted a winning mark north of 300.

Bell and Ian Cook’s opening stand of 57 came at a rapid rate and another partnership of 111 with Jonathan Trott laid a foundation for some middle-order fireworks that never arrived.

“I think after 35 overs we were looking for 300,” said Bell. “If we can set a platform of 170-odd for two, most times we’re going to get past 300.

“Obviously it’s a little disappointing not to get that, but I think potentially that was still in our sights to get 300.

“It was an extremely dry pitch for here, a lot more so than we normally play on, and I think upfront certainly was a lot easier with the new ball.

“It just got harder and harder as the innings went on and it wasn’t easy to hit the ball at the death.

“It wasn’t the easiest pitch to smack boundaries in the middle to late overs.”

Bell’s assessment of conditions in Birmingham shows the level of consideration that must go into setting a target, and the result proves England’s calculations at a familiar venue were spot on.

Home advantage applies for the remainder of the tournament, too, but Bell was quick to point out that would only come into play as long as the players retained their focus.

“We certainly have an advantage being at home, but really that counts for nothing because you still have to play good cricket,” he said.

“New Zealand just showed that in the one-day series (which England lost 2-1). If we don’t play to our potential, there are seven other very good teams here that could win this competition.”

England’s next group match against Sri Lanka at The Oval takes place on Thursday, giving lead spinner Graeme Swann time to recover from the sore back that ruled him out of the Australia encounter.

He remains a must-pick when available, but Kent captain James Tredwell has proved himself a more than able deputy over the last couple of years and once again performed admirably at Edgbaston.

“Jimmy Tredwell never lets us down,” said Bell.

“He’s got a great record for us. It was unfortunate when Swanny was injured but, like I said, Tredwell is the perfect bloke to come in and replace him.

“He’s been fantastic for us every time he gets the opportunity. I’d say the way he goes about his business is outstanding.”

Captain Alastair Cook also admits England are lucky to have Anderson after watching the paceman become the country’s top one-day wicket-taker.

Anderson broke Darren Gough’s record of ODI wickets as he moved on to 237 with three Australian scalps for just 30 runs.

“He’s a great bowler, he just keeps getting better and better, we’re lucky to have him,” said a delighted Cook, who was also pleased with the performance of Anderson’s new-ball partner Stuart Broad as they prevented Australia getting off to a flying start in pursuit of 270.

Former captain Sir Ian Botham claims the venue is so irrelevant that England would even “beat Australia on Mars”, such is their current superiority over their old rivals.

The Champions Trophy was the first of 26 meetings between the pair that are scheduled for up to next February, including Ashes series in both countries.

England have held the urn since 2009 and Botham has no doubt Cook’s men will retain possession of it over the coming months.

The 57-year-old is confident England will “win in style” both at home and Down Under and claimed: “We would beat Australia if we played them on Mars at the moment, to be honest.

“England are far superior, far better. We have won the last two Ashes encounters and I expect them to win in style over here and then in style in Australia from 
November onwards.”

Asked if he thought England would win the home series, which begins at Trent Bridge on July 10, 5-0, Botham said: “If the weather stays fair, there is every chance.

“A dry summer, and England, with our bowlers... why not? They could do it.”

Botham feels bowling is an area in which England are particularly potent, but has stressed that, as far as he can see, they are stronger in every way than Australia.

“There is no such thing as a bad Australian team because Australia doesn’t produce bad sportsmen,” continued Botham.

“But what we have to remember is the skill and quality of England – particularly the bowling attack, which is exceptional.

“They will win it. You have every department covered.

“We have bowlers banging on the door to come in and there is also a lot of competition in the batting places. So England are in a very, very good position at the moment.

“England outgun Australia in all departments – that is why they will win.”

Although they have just opened their Champions Trophy campaign, Botham is sure England’s players will already have thoughts of the Ashes very much on their minds.

He regards the 50-over tournament as a “great springboard” for what lies ahead – which he thinks would particularly be the case should they win the whole competition.

“It would be nice to kick off things with the Champions Trophy,” added Botham. “At the end of the day, the Ashes is looming, everyone will be thinking about that, and understandably – it is the biggest event, the whole of the cricketing world watches it.

“But the Champions Trophy is a great springboard – winning teams get into a habit of winning.”