Bell backs 'world's best' Pietersen to carry on for England

Ian Bell has revealed that most of the England squad were unaware of the depth of the rift between Kevin Pietersen and sacked coach Peter Moores.

A breakdown in the relationship between the pair resulted in them both losing their jobs on Wednesday with Pietersen opting to resign the captaincy rather than be dismissed.

But Bell suggested the tension between the two men had never been apparent in the dressing room.

"We never really knew things were so bad," the batsman told BBC Radio on Thursday.

"With captains and coaches, people are going to have their own ideas; there are always going to be conversations where people want their way and others want something slightly different.

"I was very shocked to see how fast it developed." Andrew Strauss has been appointed skipper and Bell expects Pietersen to remain part of the squad, despite suggestions the South African-star could walk away from England to cash in on the lucrative options available in the Indian Premier League.

"He (Pietersen) is the best player in the world - that is something you want in your dressing room," Bell added.

LONDON, AFP