London, Mar 22: England batsman Ian Bell might be asked to take on the opener's role along with skipper Andrew Strauss for their quarter-final against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Bell is likely to move into the role already vacated by Kevin Pietersen and filled temporarily since by wicketkeeper Matt Prior

The move shows an element of panic in the ranks of England ahead of their quarterfinal against Sri Lanka, but England may feel they have to do something to give themselves their best chance of a solid start in the opening 10 overs.

Bell has opened 26 times in his 93 one-day innings and scored five of his 18 fifties there, The Independent reports.

The trouble is that he is beginning to show signs of weariness after playing in all of England''s matches this winter.

England's batting coach Graham Gooch said: "Do I think it would work? Yes, As far as I am concerned, every top order player should aspire to open the batting in 50-over cricket.

"Whether they end up batting there or whether that's their best position, the team management will decide but why wouldn''t you want the whole 50 overs to dictate the terms of the game, to set the game up?" (ANI)