Ian Bell has said that he would be willing to climb up the batting order to replace Jonathan Trott at number three when the second Ashes Test gets underway in Adelaide on Thursday.

Bell currently bats at number five and has excelled in the role, producing a string of fine displays en route to being named 'Man of the Series' during England's 3-0 home Ashes win over Australia earlier this year.

However, he claims that he would have no problem with relocating to fill the void left by Trott, who flew home this week because of a stress-related illness.

Bell told reporters: "We've spoken about it, and obviously I've said I'm absolutely willing to go to number three.

"That decision is probably out of my control - we've got a number of options - but absolutely I'll put my hand up. We'll soon see."

Bell's highest Test score of 235, which came against India in 2011, was assembled from number three.