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Ian Bell knows better than most about the challenges of batting in Pakistan after being part of the celebrated 2005 England side beaten by a potent mix of searing pace and fizzing spin.
‘I have a vivid memory of an amazing swinging yorker from Shoaib Akhtar to Ashley Giles that knocked out middle and leg stump,’ Bell tells Sportsmail.
‘Even now when people ask me who is the quickest bowler I have faced, that’s the series that comes to mind. Shoaib’s bowling was the quickest I have ever witnessed or experienced.’
Ian Bell knows better than most about the challenges of batting in Pakistan
England had landed in Pakistan on the back of a run of six straight series victories, including the biggest scalp of all — Australia.
After winning every home Test in 2004 and defeating South Africa in a five-Test series, reclaiming the Ashes had elevated their status to new heights.
The squad was still in celebratory mood as they headed to Pakistan at the end of October for three Tests. Two weeks were spent preparing in Rawalpindi and Lahore, and Duncan Fletcher’s men reached Multan for the first Test fancying their chances.
Michael Vaughan was out injured, so Marcus Trescothick — back in Pakistan now as England’s batting coach — stood in as skipper and smashed 193 to help the tourists secure a large first-innings advantage.
Bell is treated by the team doctor after being hit by a searing delivery from Shoaib
England had only won two Tests in Pakistan and they sensed history, beginning the final day needing 174 more, with nine wickets in hand. But when Bell was caught behind, it sparked a stunning collapse inspired by Shoaib — whose bowling had been measured at 100mph — and Danish Kaneria. England fell from 64 for one to 175 all out and lost by 22 runs.
For Bell, who was 23 at the time, the series was important. He had been part of the Ashes squad but averaged just 17 in the series. And after finishing with a pair at the Oval, he had arrived in Pakistan desperate to prove himself.
‘That was a massive tour because the 2005 Ashes
