The Ashes 5th Test. The Oval. August 20-24.

[rich1uk]

good line in that article from strauss

"we can all remember the high-class performances from ian bell over the years"

well they would be easy to remember being so few of them

[KipperJohn]

I posted a few years back that I thought Bell would finish with a record similar to Cowdrey's.

Cowdrey 114 matches 7624 runs HS 182 Avge 44.06 100s 22 50s 38
Bell 115 matches 7569 runs HS 235 Avge 43.00 100s 22 50s 45 (plus 5416 ODi runs).

Both have been dubbed as not reaching their full potential - yet both rank in the top 10 of all time English run scorers and are in the top 3 century makers.

They both faced some all time greats of their own eras, both pace and spin.

Not the greatest, but both very good players, frustrating at times, but glorious to watch in full flow.

That's my lot - what will be will be.

[Dr Cricket]

if you play more then 100 matches you are going to score loads of runs.
I really don't see how people can you use that to say he had a good career.

[greyblazer]

Covered 4 out of the 5 Ashes games and one felt those same old problems exist despite England winning the series. Most of them hang back in the crease. Australia exploited it at Lord's and The Oval.

[greyblazer]

Yes, should have shared this piece after the 4th Test, but hardly had time to come to forums lol. Anyway, here it is on Stokes that I wrote for my friend's website - http://www.cricfit.com/ashes-ben-stokes ... l-rounder/

[Arthur Crabtree]

Funny Stokes seems to have difficulty swinging the ball away from the right hander, and looks awkward trying, but he swings into the left hander quite naturally.

[Gingerfinch]

Funny Stokes seems to have difficulty swinging the ball away from the right hander, and looks awkward trying, but he swings into the left hander quite naturally.

Slightly different line. I used to love bowling to lefties. In my mind it felt easier. Maybe the same for my fellow ginger.

[sussexpob]

Yes, should have shared this piece after the 4th Test, but hardly had time to come to forums lol. Anyway, here it is on Stokes that I wrote for my friend's website - http://www.cricfit.com/ashes-ben-stokes ... l-rounder/

You have the one about the inspiration way he gave 135 runs away with the ball, then got out pathetically twice?

[rich1uk]

dobell's rating a lot closer to reality I think

not sure I would have given broad a 9 , wasn't consistent enough but cant really argue with them overall

http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2 ... 13371.html

[backfootpunch]

if you play more then 100 matches you are going to score loads of runs.
I really don't see how people can you use that to say he had a good career.

to be selected for 100 test matches you have to be consistent over a very long period of time

im pretty sure there has never been a bad player who has played 100 tests

[rich1uk]

if you play more then 100 matches you are going to score loads of runs.
I really don't see how people can you use that to say he had a good career.

to be selected for 100 test matches you have to be consistent over a very long period of time

im pretty sure there has never been a bad player who has played 100 tests

don't think anyone has said he is a "bad player"

throughout his career he has never really been bad enough to get dropped but imo apart from a couple of brief periods has never really been near top class either

[sussexpob]

if you play more then 100 matches you are going to score loads of runs.
I really don't see how people can you use that to say he had a good career.

to be selected for 100 test matches you have to be consistent over a very long period of time

Indeed. Guys like Mike Atherton and Carl Hooper were consistently below par all of their career

[sussexpob]

I suggested about 5 or 6 years ago that Bell's best test innings came after KP had splattered attacks around, or in partnership with KP making good scores. I would revise that now to state that Bell is probably a barometer for England's batting. If England bat well, Bell bats well. He needs protection above him to make runs, but give him a comfortable or manageable position, he expresses his magnificent ability. Give him 13/3, dont expect him to hang around.

It is strange, as 2013 is an exception to that rule. I thought we were seeing the true awakening of a man with immense potential, but it seems like it was his last swansong at the top.

I think those that say he was a bad or an average player or only frustrated he didnt become a legendary and timeless player. He certainly was the most artistic of players at his best from the modern era, and strangely he has no obvious defects other than a lack of mental application when times get a little tougher.

[Arthur Crabtree]

He's done ok at times batting for draws, though usually getting out before the end. One of the draws in SA in 09, Aukland, Nagpur, though on a very flat pitch.

[hopeforthebest]

This a list of leading run scorers in world cricket, most play in the sub continent and Australia or in countries where the weather and conditions of are good for batting. Cook's record is quite exceptional.
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/conten ... 23646.html