Giles: Bell's in top form.

Byline: Brian Halford

ASHLEY Giles believes Ian Bell's return to form with the Bears "bodes well" for England in the run-up to their Test series with West Indies.

Bell warmed up for the Windies with a superb 120 in difficult conditions to underpin the Bears' Championship win against Durham and then a classy 82 not out in the CB40 victory over Northamptonshire.

And while he is content with the squad at his disposal at Edgbaston, director of cricket Giles admits that having Bell (pictured) and England colleague Jonathan Trott sometimes available is a huge fillip.

"What a difference it makes when you have got Trott and Bell in your side," he said. "We have good depth in the squad but when you have that quality as well, it's just world-class.

"The way Belly played last week, especially on Sunday when he looked close to his best, bodes well for us and England.

"We will miss Ian against Derbyshire on Sunday because he will be with the Lions but we have a strong squad here and everyone has their part to play. We had guys unlucky to miss out last Sunday and they know they will be needed.

"That is a good position for us to be in and the idea then is to keep all the players fit and fresh and look after them so we know that we can pick horses for courses.

"Then hopefully we will always have our best bowling attack available to suit any wicket."

CLARKE UPBEAT: PAGE 79