Ian Bell rates his record-breaking 187 as the "perfect" one-day innings. His inning helped England wrap up their preparations for the Tri-Series with an entertaining win.
Bell hit 20 fours and three sixes in a 145-ball knock against an Australian Prime Minister's XI, and in the process registered England's best score in one-day cricket, ahead of Friday's opener with Australia.
Bell was not required for England's last five matches in Sri Lanka before Christmas but earned a recall in the aftermath of Alastair Cook's departure as captain.
However he feels that he can kick on and produce more match-winning displays if given the opportunity.
"I've been guilty in one-day cricket of getting a lot of fifties and not converting enough, but this is what I can do if I bat 45.5 overs or whatever it was," he said.
"I've spoken to (Head Coach) Peter Moores about that and I believe I can play at the top of the order for England. The thing is converting starts into match-winning scores.
"If I can do that a couple of times this winter, that's great for the team."
Bell was honest enough to accept he was not a certain pick in the first XI, with the Twenty20 opener Alex Hales having his supporters and Gary Ballance also involved in the 15-man squad.
However he revealed a chat with captain Eoin Morgan settled his place early on the tour.
"Coming out here I didn't know where I was going to bat or if I would start, so it was nice to have a good chat with Morgs and for him to say I would get first crack at opening," said Bell.
Opposition paceman Pat Cummins, who will be part of the Australia squad in the Tri-Series and the World Cup opener against England on February 14, praised Bell but made a cheeky prediction for the coming weeks.
"The innings he played was pretty faultless," said the seamer, whose six wicketless overs cost 52.
"He hit the balls along the ground, picked the gaps and was very impressive.
"But I think he's got his runs out of the way for the tour now, so I'm pleased he's back in the shed!"
