Ian Bell is banking on a versatile England’s experiences of sub-continental conditions for when they next face West Indies, with the vice-captain not at all surprised at the challenges thrown up in the Caribbean.
England head into the second Test in Grenada, starting on Tuesday, with a side that now boasts not only Moeen Ali, but also the valuable lessons from last week.
The hosts held out superbly in the first Test in Antigua , with Jason Holder getting his maiden first-class century and denying England the chance to push for victory on what was a record-breaking day for James Anderson .
Still, as the action moves on, Bell is keen to stress England’s adaptability, which has seen them break new ground in other overseas ventures, most notably in Asia.
“We’ll be playing a similar style as if we were in India or the subcontinent,” Bell said.
“There’s talk of there being a bit more bounce here than in Antigua. West Indies swung the new ball nicely in both innings – so we have to use the new ball well and get a few wickets early – and we’re going to have to change our plans, get a lot of men in front of the bat.
“Moeen is back in the squad, which gives us options, but we’ll have to work out a formula in the next couple of days which helps us get 20 wickets.
"It is going to be hard work, these three Test matches. It is 15 days of Test cricket in quite a short period of time, so as a batter you do recognise the hard work the bowlers do put in for us, especially in a Test match like that when the wicket seemed to get better and better."
West Indies’ fighting spirit has been lauded not only by their own staff, but also by England Head Coach Peter Moores , who was impressed with the hosts’ strength in depth.
And while much is made by outsiders of the difference in ranking between the two sides, Bell has joined Moores in warning against any form of complacency.
When asked about his opponents’ tenacity, Bell said: “I'm not surprised at all. We knew the kind of cricket we were going to be playing - attrition, going to go five days.
Our batsmen striking the ball nicely during training #WIvEng https://t.co/03FBYt6zlO
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) April 19, 2015
“I certainly didn't turn up here expecting for them to roll over and this to be an easy series. You never expect that in any international cricket, let alone a Test team.
“I expected competition. Last time I was here I sat on the sidelines but they were long five-day Test matches; it was hard to get 20 wickets and I expected exactly the same.”
On a more personal level, Bell has certainly enjoyed his first Test as vice-captain, scoring a century in the first innings as England fell one short of the 400 mark.
Bell was named to the role just before the start of the series opener, and he said: “It hasn’t felt too different with Cookie (Alastair Cook) there. As senior players we are trying to help him out along the way.
“It is nice to have that responsibility. I hope I have shown that with the bat and in the field in the last game, hopefully I can kick on from there.”