Ian Bell: Skipper Root must score a truckload of runs if England are to succeed

Former England batsman Ian Bell and Ryan Harris were discussing the Ashes on the Inside Edge series with bet365.

Former England batsman Ian Bell played in seven Ashes series, winning five of them including a famous victory in Australia in 2010-11, but he admits the tourists face a tough task down under.

"The only way I see us winning is if Joe Root is player of the series," Bell says. "He's going to have to emulate what Cookie [Alastair Cook] did in 2010-11. We've got an opportunity if he scores an absolute truckload of runs.

"Both teams have class but also a bit of vulnerability. England are trying to draw on the fact that India won in Australia last summer but they have to start this series incredibly well.

"As soon as Root comes to the crease, Pat Cummins and the guys will be on point. Josh Hazlewood can get the ball back into a vulnerable area for Rooty so that battle could be massive."

While the Aussies will target Root, Steve Smith is the prize wicket for England's bowlers. "On the last tour, England went to plans A, B, C, D, E and F to Smith and nothing worked!" Bell recalls.

"Cameron Green, the young all-rounder, is also pretty impressive with the bat. If he takes a few overs off the bowlers that's a massive plus and finding an all-rounder is really important for Australia.

"My head says Australia will win 3-1. If England win the toss in the day-night Test in Adelaide, score their runs during the day, then the seam attack might expose anything that's there."

Ex-Australia paceman Ryan Harris, who took 57 wickets in 12 Ashes Tests between 2010 and 2014, says: "If the bowling attacks fire then good luck to the batters because they'll be under huge pressure.

"Ben Stokes is a leader so having him in the squad is huge for England but my heart says 3-0 or 4-0 to Australia."

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