Bell has been in sparkling touch in Division Two, making 665 runs at 55.42, hitting three centuries. He has also hit 471 runs at 58.88 in the T20 Blast. As a result, along with the inconsistencies of England’s middle order, calls have been made for him to return to international cricket.

Despite turning 36 and being one of just three players from the famous 2005 Ashes-winning squad still playing, Bell feels he still has plenty of cricket left in him.

“It’s been quite a tough adjustment not being an England player anymore. But I felt even when I finished with England that I had a lot of cricket left under my belt. I spoke to a lot of ex-players and they all said ‘You’re a long time retired, don’t look back with any regrets’.

“We’ve got some very good young players coming through at Edgbaston and, if I can help in any way just by being there, whether it’s in the nets or whatever, I could help that next generation by passing a bit of knowledge on. I’d simply like to be playing as long as I possibly can if my body can stay together.”