Would be nice to be friends with Bell instead of rivals: Langer

A decade ago, Ian Bell, England's precocious top order batsman, copped a verbal volley from legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne that has become part of sledging folklore.

During the second Test of the 2006-07 Ashes series in Adelaide, Warne, renowned for his acidic tongue, had his sights set squarely on the talented 24-year-old batsman. Stump microphones picked up Warne calling Bell 'The Shermanator', a reference to a red-haired geeky character in the 1999 hit film American Pie.
It was an amusing reference that stuck for many years although Bell later admitted Warne's acerbic barbs affected his batting during an embarrassing series whitewash for England.

Within earshot of those taunts was Justin Langer, Australia's opener during those halcyon days and another famed provocateur, who ironically will be coaching Bell during the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) after the Perth Scorchers announced the 118-Test veteran as their second international signing on Tuesday (August 30).

Defending those cheeky byplays of yesteryear, Langer said sledging from Australian cricketers was a mark of respect. "The players you don't like the most....it's (actually) a great compliment," Langer said on Tuesday (August 30). "We never really liked Ian Bell much and as Aussies we can't give a greater compliment because he was always tough and tough to get out....so it's nice he is in our team.

"We had some real ding-dong battles at the time with Ian Bell....Paul Collingwood....James Anderson," he added. "It would be nice to be friends with him instead of rivals."

Aged 34, Bell brings a wealth of experience to the Scorchers' line-up having played 118 Tests and 161 One-Day Internationals for England. In this season's T20 Blast, the Birmingham Bears batsman has scored 489 runs at an average of 40.75 with a strike rate of 130.74.

Langer believed Bell was an important addition magnified by several Scorchers veterans expected to miss chunks of the BBL due to international duties. "He was really well known as a Test and ODI player with limited T20 exposure but we couldn't go past his experience," Langer said. "(Important) to have someone like that who is still a gun fieldsman and is hungry to get back into the England side.

"We will probably lose Shaun Marsh, (Adam) Voges and Mitch Marsh (to international cricket)," Langer added. "His (Bell's) experience with Michael Klinger at the top of the order is like gold, and he will be a great mentor for our younger players."

Despite now officially completing their 18-man roster, Langer revealed the Scorchers would probably search for another fast bowler or bowling all-rounder after Nathan Coulter-Nile was sent home from Sri Lanka due to a serious back injury and David Willey, the Scorchers' other international signing, likely to miss some of the BBL due to international commitments.

"He (Coulter-Nile) is in for a long rehab period," Langer said. "Whilst he was keen for the BBL, I think that might be pushing it. It's a shame, he has worked so hard and in a lot of ways he's changed the perception of a young Nathan Coulter-Nile....he's a professional now."

The Scorchers, a two-time BBL champion, open their 2016-17 campaign against Adelaide Strikers on December 23.