Stewart at the Test - day two
Ian Bell's innings of 97 was the main reason that England made a competitive first innings total of 370.
Bell's form over the last 12 months has been very good and he has now fully established himself in the middle order. He has made it known to the selectors that his preferred position is three but his record at six is very impressive.
When he played in the 2005 Ashes series he didn’t look comfortable playing against the number one side in the world, but that experience has proved the making of him.
Before he made his England debut I made a big statement that he would make a minimum of 5,000 Test runs in his career. He still has a long way to reach that target but is very much on course. How many of you agree with me and also which of you thought he shouldn’t be playing Test cricket after his poor 2005 Ashes series?!
This Test Match is set up nicely - the Old Trafford pitch is an excellent one with good pace and bounce. Good to bat on once you are in but also good for the quicker bowlers if they bowl the right lengths and don’t get carried away with too many short-pitched deliveries to exploit the excessive bounce.
Steve Harmison was roughed up during his innings from Fidel Edwards being hit on the helmet twice as well as taking blows to the body, and if he can repeat his heroics of last year's efforts against Pakistan then England will remain in the box-seat.
He must regain his consistency and importantly his confidence and with Allan Donald working as the bowling coach he will be keen to impress. We all know what Harmison is capable of - now is the time to show off his skill and talent and get back to the form when he was ranked the number one bowler in the world. Come on Harmy silence your critics - I am backing you!!
His first over was certainly a mixture… one good ball to dismiss Ganga, but plenty of poor ones as well. He'll have to improve this afternoon.
Lunch came at a good time for Harmo and for Donald to have a word, no doubt he had already told our paceman not to overdo the bouncer, but now he needs to remind him where the stumps are! I wonder if the pressure Harmo feels in situations like this is too much for him? I bet if the ground was empty he would be flying in and bowling well.
Complain about this postFingers crossed Donald is half as good a coach as he was a player! Unfortunately now the match is underway its hard for him to have much influence. The coach works prior to games, once they cross the line its up to them.
I agree with you Alec, I don't see why Bell gets so much stick. He has a very impressive average batting at 6 and while Flintoff is out he can make the most of it especially when the batting above him is generally solid. I applaud his great knock today even though he didn't get a century - it saved England from an embarassing first innings score. If he can carry on playing like this he can become a permanent fixture. I do think it's absurd there are calls from him to be dropped.
Complain about this postHarmison's first over is good enough for me. Bowling 5 (or more than 5!) pies or unreachables and then mixing in a wicket-taking ball every over sounds like a recipe for bowling sides out pretty cheaply!!
Complain about this postI don't think Bell was quite ready for the Aussies in 2005, especially considering he had just played a couple of tests against Bangladesh prior to that series. He is technically very good which is proven by the fact that he can play in any position, really from 1 down to number 6 or 7. I believe he has a long and possible fruitful career with England although my one worry with him is his ability, or lack of, to up the tempo of the innings which an international number 6, or 7, such as yourself, Alec, should be able to. This morning, Harmison dominated their partnership and he only showed this ability very sporadically
Complain about this postIan Bell averages 45.8. However if we remove the easy pickings of the West Indies and Bangladesh his average plumets to 35.7. That said I agree he should remain in the side for a long time. He was very young when picked and it's great to see the consistency of selection have patience to develop such a promising player. I never thought he should be dropped following the 2005 ashes, but I also never thought he should have been in the 2005 ashes team. Graham Thorpe ought to have played in his place! Still that was great experience for him and he played very well in the 2006/7 ashes doubling his series average from 17.1 in 2005 to 33.10. Clearly this shows he's learning and I look forward to a few years time when he nears his peak, and really will be ready to be considered a test number 3. For the moment though he's just what is required at number 6, and unless Flintoff is fit enough to return as one of our 4 bowlers I think Bell should keep him out of the team.
Complain about this postHarmison must demonstrate consistency in this test.
I liked a blog entry of Aggers recently where an amateur pundit had sent in a broken up record of Harmison's performance levels: it left a lot to be desired.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/tms/2007/05/harmison_worry_for_england.shtml
I for one am fed up of this waiting. Either Harmison plays well or he's replaced by someone in form.
Yes he gets wickets, but one can't rely on him.
In fact, the only consistency is his inconsistency.
Not good enough. Certainly not now.
Perhaps the afternoon session will be better!
Complain about this postWhy are pirates called pirates? Because the AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHHH!
Complain about this postBefore the 2006/2007 Ashes Series I mentioned to a friend that Bell and Harmison were the two players that if they played well, then the rest will follow! I know the likes of KP are the explosive players and without them we would lack serious quality, but players like Bell are needed and if they fire then it gives the team a massive boost!
The dependable's (Hoggy/Colly/Vaughan) are always gunna do their best for you, so if the likes of Belly get involved then it gives the team a great balance! Oh, I'll add Strauss to that, he is also a player that needs confidence, but when he has it, it spreads!
Complain about this postBell was very impressive again in this knock but he just doesn't look like a player who can effectively bat with the tail in terms of upping his strike rate. I think Collingwood should bat at 6, with Bell at 5, as he has shown in Nagpur and in ODIs that he is a more flexible batsman capable of both knuckling down and playing more aggressively.
Complain about this postDear Stewie, What a credit you are to the english dept. at Tiffin School. Harmison has lost it - I'm not sure that he ever really had it except for, some years ago, a good patch against WI who, let's face it are in international third division these days.
Complain about this postIf only Harmison were capable of bowling a wicket-taking ball an over then it would be fine of course. Unfortunately one over is not enough to build reliable statistics on - especially recently with Harmison!
Complain about this postIf your technique is awry, you will occasionally get lucky, but in 20 overs it's more likely you'll get hammered for three figures ... so you need luck at least 3-4 times.
Could it be a transitional phase as he gets used to the new bowling coaching?
Alec,
Quite simply, I agree with everything you have stated. I cannot understand some of the remarks of other 'bolggers', notably Aggers, but your comments always seem to make sense. Almost as much sense as the bat twizzle, which I nicked from you and have employed for many years!
With regard to Ian Bell, I thought he looked ok in 2005, and more solid than some of the dashers, although he did appear to get bogged down. Now he is developing into a world-class player, with a good, aggresive attitude to his batting.
Stewie, a legend on the park and now on the PC, keep up the quality blog-work.
AJ
Complain about this postIf only Harmison were capable of bowling a wicket-taking ball an over then it would be fine of course. Unfortunately one over is not enough to build reliable statistics on - especially recently with Harmison!
Complain about this postIf your technique is awry, you will occasionally get lucky, but in 20 overs it's more likely you'll get hammered for three figures ... so you need luck at least 3-4 times.
Could it be a transitional phase as he gets used to the new bowling coaching?
Good article Alec, I must admit after the 2005 ashes, I thought Bell's days were numbered. But he's dug deep and proved to us all the class he has, I was gutted for him that he didn't get a ton - he deserved that at least!!
Seems like Mr Donald has alot of work to down with Mr Harmison - but the sounds of it - he's all over the place!!
I don't mean to sound ungrateful, he's been a good servant for England, but I think he needs a break and some county cricket to get himself sorted.
Who do we replace him with? Pass!
Complain about this postWhen is someone going to bite the bullet and start dropping players who are so woefully out of form that they'd struggle in a decent club 2nd XI?
Complain about this postHarmison has had one good game since 2005, the rest of the time he has been awful. Is it not time to turf him out of the side and replace him with someone who can stand up to the mental pressure of playing test cricket? If he can't do it against the Windie's, who can he do it against?
Strauss is another case in point. he can't buy a run at the moment. I accept that form is temporary, but can't he go back to middlesex and get out of the rut there instead of trying to do it in a test match?
Personally, i'd have Cook and Vaughan to open with Bell at 3.
Anyone else agree with dropping Harmison for the forseeable future and replacing him with Stuart Broad? Can't do any worse surely???
Harmison is unbelievable. He looks like a schoolboy trying to bowl fast & making a complete hash of it. His action is appalling & Surely Alan Donald has to remake it from sauare one. At this rate of scoring extras will be way ahead of any batsman.
Complain about this postThe coolest guy I ever met, though probably not as cool as Chris Gayle, was called 'Pete the Feet'. He used to lie on his back on a beer soaked floor and play piano with his toes. They paid him in Scrumpy. I'd imagine he's dead now.
Complain about this postI may not be totally accurate with my figures here, but am in the right region:
Centrally contracted England players earn roughly £100k p.a. plus £5k per game that they play in. Even ignoring the 'salary' element, our international cricketers are earning about £1000 per day. And then there are the off field endorsements.
I work in the IT industry where the absolute cream of consultants may earn £1000 per day.
I have no problem with our international cricketers earning £1000 + per day playing for their country, but only if they perform like the very best in their profession.
I have never seen a bowler at any level, be they a junior colt or a third 11 club player bowl as much rubbish as Steve Harmisson has done over the last year or so. He should not be playing for England and should not be earning his comfortable wage until he can prove that he is worthy.
Send him to boot camp and do not pay him untilhe can prove that he is worthy of the title 'professional cricketer'
Complain about this postI know that everyone would like Harmy to bowl better. However, I think that if you look at the figures he is the form bowler in the county game. I think that his problem today may be that he's under preasure with his form and everyone is saying how he should make hay on this pitch. I think that what Vaughan needs to put his arm on his shoulder and tell him to relax and find his rythmn.
Bell - class batsman and I really like the way he trusts the tailenders including Sidebottom and did not panic as Peiterson has in the past and start playing madly. I feel that he should not have played at 6 at Lords and Shah should have been protected and played at 6. However, I think that Bell is an exciting part of England's future.
Complain about this postMy Dad was haggling with a taxi driver at Manchester Airport at 2am in the morning, tired and trying to get home from holiday. "Thirty quid to Ramsbottom?" My Dad said. "No its fifty mate" said the black cab driver. "I'll go half way with you on that" said my Dad, just about to offer £40. Then My mum interrupted and said "Im not getting out halway home?!" Bless her.
Complain about this post
Complain about this postI agree with the comments on Bell's ability. He must learn to dominate more, a case in example was his partnership with Prior at Lords where he was overtaken by a player on debut.
Having seen Harmison and Plunkett's opening overs, Allan Donald has got his hands full.
Rebuliding their confidence is uppermost and to do that he has to get them bowling far more consistently. Their actions are not repetitive at all and the ball is going all over the place.
Matt Prior is more of a goalkeeper than a wicket-keper at present, diving all over the place.
England have not made full use of the new ball or got close to doing it - a disgraceful first 10 overs.
Complain about this postIs not the essence of being a test bowler the ability to produce under pressure? Harmison and Plunkett need to go back to county cricket, get their heads, actions & mentality sorted out. Would Australia put up with the rubbish being served up here? They sent Tait back and he came back better - if Harmy can't handle pressure, let him pooter along contentedly in county cricket & give the ball to someone with the guts and mentality for international cricket...
Complain about this postHow about this then lads. Turn the tv round faciing the garden. Out with the old deckchair. Put the earphones on listening to TMS. BBQ at lunchtime. Read a book, play with the dog. Send the wife shopping.What a way to spend Saturday.
Complain about this postSteve Harmison has had his day.His performances over the past two years are nothing short of abysmal.We all know what he's capable of but he never delivers.Its a sad indication of the state of English bowling when we keep playing him.Having said that I can't believe that we don't have bowlers who are much more capable than him.
Complain about this postAggers just described the bowling as really really poor...
Does he have a view on this return from test cricket...?
Tests 3
balls 552
runs 373
wkts 4
best 2/51
SR 93.25
ER 4.05
Love you really aggers - but your memory is failing you - test cricket isn't as easy as it looks from the press box!
Complain about this postIf we are going to persevere with Harmison, perhaps we should have 2 wicket-keepers.
Complain about this postAlways thought that Bell would make it. He is a fighter. Good luck to him. As for Harmison, I firmly believe that there something seriously wrong.The best thing for him is to go away and learn the art of fast bowling. I am 75 and am prepared to allow the fact that he has the ability. Who can help him find it??Maybe the best way is to slow it down and get length and line right first. I was taught that they are more important than speed. Make the batsman play every ball.
Complain about this postAll this talk about dropping Bell is simply people not wanting to admit they're wrong. Every time he is out cheaply they pipe up, when you didn't hear a thing from them last summer
Bell has been fantastic, yet people wont let him forget 2005 ashes, his first major series
As for the current bowling - it is utterly embarassing. Maybe they should aim 6ft outside off-stump
Complain about this postBring back Goochie, far superior cricketer and blogger ;-)
Complain about this postStill unsure of Bell. He seems to do it against the lesser teams but struggles against the stronger teams. WI are not what they used to be! There are plenty of players out there who could do the job. Key at Kent for one. Made 200 odd in his last match then dropped! Solanki another, although he seems to be preferred for the ODI's. Same can be said for Bopara. Why not let these guys have a go at cutting it on the big stage. On another subject. Harmison.....what is wrong with him? Never been to sure about him, but his confidence has been shot. Drop him for the rest of the series, let him play for Durham to rebuild his confidence with wickets & bring in flesh blood. Quitting ODI was a sign of poor confidence. Too late for Donald to have time with him. Let Donald at the young guns!
Complain about this postBell is clearly talented but he's doesn't seem to have a cricket brain. Why take singles on the first ball of the over and expose the tail, especially when you are approaching a ton? He got his comeuppance for not getting on with it when he got a good one from Collymore before he could crawl to 100.
Complain about this postI have to say something about this - I am outraged. But just read Donalds comments comparing Plunkett to McGrath. I think they are careless comments, even worse than what Vaughan said about Flintoff. If I was McGrath, I would be deeply insulted!
Mind you he does have a consistency about him - - - outside leg stump, that would explain his wicket of Gayle today (being left handed!)
Complain about this postWhen watching Harmison Bowl five years ago in Perth W.A. I said to my mate that this bloke will either make himself one of the fastest and best bowlers England has had but after three overs that was changed to // this bloke cannot bowl he is gutless and that impression has not changed. Come on you Poms there has to be someone better
Complain about this postI thought Ian Bell would make the grade as a test batsman but that he would just need time to feel confident in the side. Credit to the selectors for sticking with him ; the side are now reaping the rewards. Just wish they would play him in his normal position at 3 - he was picked for England as a result of playing 3 for Warwickshire and seems misguided to now play him at 6.
Complain about this postRe: Stuart Law.
I take it you are not the Stuart Law of Australia fame, because i would hope he wouldn't talk such nonsence.
"Still unsure of Bell. He seems to do it against the lesser teams but struggles against the stronger teams. WI are not what they used to be! "
such as? Australia... he's played them twice. Yes he had a bad summer in 2005 and didn't have a great winter 06/07 but showed significant improvement over last time. But to say he struggles against stronger teams in general? Ask any Pakistani. I'd hardly say they had a weak bowling attack.
"There are plenty of players out there who could do the job. Key at Kent for one. Made 200 odd in his last match then dropped!"
Yes, I like your logic. Bell can only do it against the poor bowling attacks, but since Rob Key scored 200 against the fantastic former cricketing nation of Zimbabwe he should get a recall.
"Solanki another, although he seems to be preferred for the ODI's."
No, I really doubt he could. I think if Solanki had played as many tests as Bell had against the same opposition, his average woulbe more like 25 rather than 45.
"Same can be said for Bopara"
No, he's got a lot of promise but clearly is not as class a bat as Bell.
"Why not let these guys have a go at cutting it on the big stage."
Instead of who? The idea of dropping someone like Bell for Key or Solanki is a joke. Bopara needs to work on his batting and I think he's going to be more of a replacement for Collingwood rather than Bell.
Complain about this postI can't help but feel all Bell's efforts will be in vein. As soon as Flintoff is fit again he will regain the no. 6 spot and so if that leaves Bell to return to 3 then he would have to displace Vaughan or have the captain opening the batting. At the moment that isn't so bad with Strauss's run of form but also with Trescothick's performances this season could push Bell out of the team despite his form.
Complain about this postyour wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Complain about this postI don't understand why so many people want Bell dropped.
Test career Strike rates
KP - 66.73
Vaughan - 52.41
Bell - 50.69
Strauss - 50.87
Collingwood - 43.19
Cook - 45.72
Bell's average is 45.8. Only Cook and KP have better.
What's the problem.
Complain about this postHarmison has been indulged for far too long. Take away his wickets against a weak West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe and his record is very poor. Time and again he is unable to produce the goods against decent teams and in tough situations. It was dispiriting how easily he was able to walk straight back into the side this summer, though injuries to others clearly played a part.
Complain about this postsurely its about time straussy is dropped...we're playing with 10 batsmen.
Complain about this postI agree that Harny should be dropped - but who for? If you bring in some one like Stuart Broad that would make Monty the most experienced test bowler in the team!
Is Monty becoming the new Freddie - able to roll over the tail for few runs
Complain about this postRicardo, an average is called an average because it averages out your performances over time against teams both weak and strong. Recalculating Bell's average to cover only teams you thing strong enough to count is laughable. Bell's test average over 25 games is 44.48. Why not look at it another way and say if he hadn't played two series against the strongest team in the world it would probably be over 50? What a joke.
Complain about this poststrauss has to be gone the batting line up next test should be
cook
vuaghan
shah/bopara
kp
colly
bell
prior
monty
plunkett
harmy
sidbottom
shah give him a chance and monty is a gunuiene allrounderhes our new no.8 he could score a 50 soon
Complain about this postWhat happened to Monty Panesar's poor batting ability? 14 runs from 18 balls not out is by no means a poor showing from a tail-ender, I personally can see nothing wrong with it. Does this further show how wrong the selectors have been to neglect him?
Complain about this postnow its time to show the way to "strauss". i think there is no cricket left in him. selectors have shown lot of confidence on him for last two year,buth did not live up to their expecttion. bring joyce for him he will certainly make the difference.
Complain about this posto.k. bye
Whilst watching the cricket today i could not help but wonder what is happening to international cricket and when will someone mount a serious challenge to Australia.
I am appauled that Harmison is allowed to represent my home country. I suggest he gets back into the Durham side because he at the moment is not good enough for the international arena.
England also need Hoggard to get fit and soon and also Flintoff for the pace injection while Harmison finds his form. As for Monty Panesar i thought he and Sidebottom bowled well today and another positive was Ian Bell's knock just a shame he didn't get the ton he deserved. cgt.
Complain about this postI'm not convinced that either Harmison or Strauss should play for a while. Bell is a cert, though.
Complain about this postBell is doing very well and is a far more consistent scorer than Flintoff. So if Freddie gets back it has to be as a bowling allrounder, and not at Bell's expense. However it doesn't look like we'll see Flintoff his summer.
For the next match hopefully Hoggard will be fit again so either the woeful Harmison or Plunkett can go back to Durham and practice not bowling dross. I think Strauss would also benefit playing a few games for Middlesex too.
If we win at Old Trafford and hence the series I'd ask if Tresco felt he was rehabilitated enough to play again. It would be a low pressure return toease back in. If not I'd give Bopara a go.
My team for next Test:
Cook
Complain about this postTrescothick
Vaughan
Pietersen
Bell
Collingwood
Prior
Plunkett
Siverwood
Hoggard
Panesar
i used to go to tiffin and Alec Stewart was in my form. Anyway i think bell should keep his place in the side and stauss should be dropped because his form has been dismal
Complain about this postHow sad to see the current West Indies side when one remembers the days when they were the side to beat. I feel they are making a 'quite good' England side appear to be much more.
Come back Windies!!
An England supporter.
Complain about this postI read a comment here about Bell's inability to keep up with the newbie Matt Prior at Lord's and really have to wonder. I think a little context is required. Bell arrived at 219-4 and Prior arrived at 363-5. Anyone spot the difference?
Bell may not set the world ablaze, but in that test he still managed around 3.5 runs per over played: in the same bracket as Cook and Collingwood. As Matt Prior was going at a run a ball I'm not really understanding why he needed to keep up with that: was he playing against the Windies or Matt Prior? Ultimately the test was drawn because the Windies managed to reply with 437 in the their first innings. That's almost 1,000 runs for the first innings!
I was personally concerned for Bell because of his difficulties with the Aussies, but am very happy to see him come through that with determination and application. This is not always an England trait! I hope he keeps his place as he has bottle (same as Collingwood to my mind).
Complain about this postSteve Harmison clearly violated Law 1 7.1 during the innings interval at Old Trafford today.
Said law states that: "There shall be no bowling or batting practice on the pitch, or on the area parallel and immediately adjacent to the pitch at any time or any day of the match. There shall be no bowling or batting practice on any other part of the square on any day of the match, except before the start of play on that day."
If a bowler violates this law, as Harmison did, he shall not be allowed to bowl for 30 minutes after the offence. Yet, Harmison was allowed to bowl the second over of West Indies innings, in clear contravention of the rules.
Q: Why, then, do we have these laws if we are not going to enforce them?
Complain about this postI sympathise with Allan Donald over the enormity of his task. All we ever hear these so-called bowlers talk about is the efforts they've made to put the ball "in the right areas" (unsuccessful efforts, it goes without saying). There are no "right areas". There are two little things called line and length, though! This lot are incapable of either appreciating that, or of hitting either the right line or length. Their lack of control is abysmal.
Complain about this postAlex, I wholely agree. Panesar and Sibo where great today, and one gets the feeling, if Harmie and Plunks arrived at the party with consistant accurate 85-90mph bowling, West Indies would be in trouble in their 2nd innnings.
Complain about this postHow many chances do players get to perform well for the England cricket team when they are clearly out of form or just not up to it? I can only assume that the selectors are watching 'noddy goes to toytown' or 'the teletubbies' while the rest of the world are watching a game of cricket.
Perhaps their is some family connection or old school connection for these out of form players to be picked over such a long time. I need not mention the players names.
Come on selectors, put down the old G & T, watch the game of cricket the world is watching.
Amazed Viewer, NZ
Complain about this postI never thought Bell should lose his place in the side after breaking into it in 2005. However, at the time, I felt Graham Thorpe should've been picked ahead of him for the Ashes series. I think we would've won that series more comfortably with Thorpey in the team, but it's all history now.
I am, however, appalled by the dross being bowled by Harmison and Plunkett. I concur with Bob Willis that there must be many England qualified bowlers who can bowl straight, and they should be considered for selection ahead of the Durham sprayers.
Complain about this postI saw a "Harmison skills" cricket ball in a catalofue today, I wondered does the skills bit refer to accuracy, if so my son stands no chance of improving
Complain about this postTime for Harmy to go and Strauss I am afraid. Bob Willis hit the nail on the head if Harmison and Plunkett continue to serve up this dross then drop them and give bowlers who bowl with some control,know where the stumps are and can bowl straight! But lets face it as I have said in previous posts Alec it is easier to stay in this side than get out of it! Sidebottom is only in because Hoggard is injured though i suppose if Hoggy comes back Plunkett will make way , a start i suppose. personally I think not much will change from Fletchers time Moores and the selectors will pick the same old faces unless injury forces their hand.
Complain about this postThis is truely disgusting. Yet another West Indies collapse.Was the bowling good? We do not really know but the batting was surely quite pathetic. The West Indies should not be playingb test cricket or ODIs anymore other than with Bangla Desh and Zimbabwe.
I think time has come to form two groups. Senior and Junior.
The Junior would be West Indies, Bangla Desh , Zimbabwe , one demotee from the senior group and perhaps one of the minnows. A promtion and demotion to be implemented every year.
Based on present form, India, Pakistan or England could be the first one to earn a demotion.
Complain about this postI get a feeling that many on this forum do not like I R Bell. He is doing alright, albeit against a rotten team. At the same time Collinwood and Straus are not covering themselves with glory either, and against exactly the same rotten team.
Complain about this postI agree that Bell will have a long, successful career for England. I think he will certainly make it to 5000 Test runs along with Cook and Pietersen. All three are young and clearly good enough so their places in the team should be secure.
Complain about this postI believe Bell should be batting in the top five. He is a better player than Collingwood and should be above him in the order.
Bell has toughened up mentally since the 2005 Ashes when he was bullied by the aggressive Aussie bowlers, Warne in particular. He now looks to be more assertive but will never become an aggressive personality. His calmer temperament seems to me to be better suited to batting at number three.
Harmison and Plunkett may get the benefit of the doubt for the 4th test, even if they completely fail to land the ball 'on target' in the Windies' second innings when that comes around, simply because Riverside is their home ground. If they continue to lack form, though, then I think Moores will send one or both back to their counties and find someone else (if Hoggard and Flintoff are still out, injured). Let's hope that if it comes to that, that Moores can pull off another decision along the lines of calling Prior up for the wicket-keeping job, and picking Sidebottom as cover for Hoggard.
And whatever the reason for it, dropping Bell down the order to 6 seems to have worked. Let's leave him there if he continues to bring in the runs.
Complain about this postI will willingly admit that after watching Ian Bell against Australia in 2005 I thought he had no future in test cricket.
Complain about this postI am more than happy to admit I am wrong and its great for England that he has progressed the way he has.
I am English but live in Australia and do not understand why England continue to use so many allrounders in the one day game.
We do not have the depth of batting that way or the stregth of bowling to match it with the top teams on a consistent basis. We get the odd win and believe its the dawn of a new eara but its not.
Pick specialist please.
I'm amazed Plunkett can make a county side let alone an England one. I have no doubt in my mind that he would get absolutely blasted around by Australia, Pakistan, India or South Africa. Get rid of him for Englands sake, please.
Bell is well worth his place, after a wobbly start he has come through brilliantly and coped with pressure situations by taking both the lead and the foil.
Harmy needs to spend some time on the county circuit, he is completely out of sorts and needs to regain his confidence, then he might pose a serious threat at the top level.
Shame Bopara has been dropped, he could of done with some easy batting practice against this awful West Indies team, and there is no escape from the fact that they are about the worst first class team in the world at the moment, it would be stupid to fool ourselves otherwise.
Complain about this postI've always liked Bell, in fact I prefer him as a Test player to Pietersen. Bell has much more ability to play as the situation demands, something that seems to have gone out of fashion now we so often finish Tests in less than five days. The batting line-up is strong but the order needs work, bearing in mind that Flintoff will eventually come back and Strauss seems to be in need of a rest. I think I would switch Bell and Pietersen, so that there is less dependence on Pietersen scoring highly to get a decent total. It sometimes seems that, once he's got a lot of runs, the others try less hard! I'd give Harmison the next Test as a last chance to sort himself out and then drop him. Good batting sides would slaughter him at the moment.
Complain about this postAs for the windies yesterday well perhaps due to the inclement conditions so far on the tour they have contracted the " English Mini-Collapse" disease ~ along with our pace bowlers.
Harmison should be dropped from test cricket until he proves himseelf again at county level, we just can't afford to entertain the notion that one of the oppositions highest scorers is "Mr Anon Extras"
We need to restore the belife that it is possible to get in the England team on the back of consistent hard work & performance.
Complain about this postQuite agree with Alec Stewart's comments about Ian Bell-he has a compact technique which may not be as flambouyant as a Pietersen but is still very pleasing on the eye.He seems to have a great temperament and if it came to a straight selection choice between Bell and Collingwood I would pick Bell every time-he has the ability to enjoy a long Test career.
Complain about this postAlec i agree with you on Belly he has shown real character to come back from the ashses of 2005 and that is what we need in our test batsmen- fighters. People go through bad spells so im glad to see him scoring runs when i backed him during the ashes whilst others called for his head. Harmy can be the best bowler in the world on his day but it looks as if he could benefit from some time in the county arena to sort his rythm out. What do you think? Henry
Complain about this postThere are many bowlers who would like to be blessed with Harmy's physical attributes but few with his mentality.
He is a coward and his first response when things get tough is to 'give-in-' Consider past 'home-sickness' and his weak decision to give up on one day cricket.
Complain about this posti have always backed Bell both for his traditional test batting(we need at least one stayer in the side), also for his great close fielding skills. i don't see many others josseling for his "silly" positions.
Complain about this postas for Harmison send him back to the county circuit.
I said throughout the 2005 Ashes series that here is a young man who England need to persevere with and nurture as he shows true talent. I'm glad this has come to fruition, and I feel he will be a key member of the England set up for the next 5/6 years.
Complain about this postStewie did you leave early yesterday ?(Alec Stewart - 2nd day at test)
Complain about this postObviously didnt see Mr Harmison and Mr Plunkett bowl!
Aggers blog reflected accurately the situation" Dire cricket from both sides"
True - but great fun and value for money at OT yesterday.
There are 2 points here about Bell that I would like to comment on. Firstly, Bell wasn't ready for the Ashes 2005, I strongly feel the best team would have had Peitersen and Thorpe. It should have also been the final series for Thorpe, and he deserved a better sending off for all the years of service to English cricket.
Secondly, there is no doubt that Bell is cut out as the present and future of English Test cricket. The important thing now is to ensure that things don't get too complicated in his head, like they've done with Strauss. If he can fulfil his potential, he should score about 8000 runs possibly more for England. He is the future rock of the England middle order.
Complain about this postThe bowling dept. will look a lot better when Flintoff and Hoggard return. Be a LOT better when Simon Jones returns. My ideal 11......
Complain about this postCook
Vaughan
Bell
Peitersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Prior
S. Jones
Hoggard
Broad
Panaesar
Need to blood young Broad, the other options have had their chances.