Vaughan, the one that knows him best having captained the 27 year old when in charge of the England team says of him “He has done well in Test cricket and averages 40 (40.59)’ If he just relaxes and plays he’s got so much talent. He should just play it in his natural way.”

The right-hander Bell has been in good form for his county, Warwickshire this season and will be on home ground if selected to play in the team against the Aussies. On his day he is an elegant and fluid batsmen, however he struggled with his form against the Australians in the famous 2005 Ashes win. Conversely he was one of the few England cricket players to emerge from the 2006/07 Ashes tour In Australia – 2006/2007with any credit. But his poor form in India last year carried into the first test in the West Indies in February, led to him being dropped.

Bell will no doubt want to prove himself quickly, but he must not to put himself under too much pressure. He must take a leaf out of the book some of England’s other cricketer’s, play himself in and not force the game but let it come to him. He must follow the example of Paul Collingwood, Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Andrew Flintoff and Matthew Prior. They are all playing in an almost Australian style, with freedom and fearlessness.

The stage is set and Ian Bell, has a great chance  to set the record straight –  he would be playing on his home ground with England 1-0 up in the 2009 Ashes series. You really can’t get any better than that!