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[The_Bird]

Lampard is the 3rd all time record scorer for Chelsea, Bell isnt quite that Good!!

I'd compare Bell to Emile Heskey on his day unplayable but ultimatley hes crap.

Factually inaccurate - he was dropped from the side for the first test to accommodate Pietersen, Compton and Ffat Sammy.  The first was a no-brainer, the second reasonable given the need for a specialist opener.  The third.....really?

i read he went home due to family issues, maybe not then.

He was recalled for the 2nd test (albeit to cover for the birth of Bell's baby) then went home (for family reasons) allowing Root to muscle in.

[PedalsMcgrew]

I have to agree about Bell, I've never been a fan (to say the least!) The thing with him is that he never inspires any confidence. In the tightest of situations he is the last player I want to see walking out of the dressing room. Yes, he 'looks good' but, honestly, how many times in his 80 odd (guess???) tests has he really toughed out a situation? 2? 3 max?

He has always had all the shots but he has always lacked a bit 'up top' and I see no evidence to suggest that this has changed.

Emile Heskey is a good one! Very similar.......

[Manormanic]

He was recalled for the 2nd test (albeit to cover for the birth of Bell's baby) then went home (for family reasons) allowing Root to muscle in.

Still not accurate I'm afraid - he was present with the squad when Root made his debut - he went home due to his mother's illness during the one day series.

[Manormanic]

Emile Heskey is a good one! Very similar.......

Indeed - Audley Harrison was the analogy that sprang to my mind.

[jamielsn15]

http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-england-2013/engine/current/match/569236.html

I knew he would get a ton after yesterdays conversations. I wonder what his username on the forum is

Manormanic I think... 

You're right in that the knock in the warm up doesn't mean a thing.  Ultimately, time will tell.  He's at an age where he should be coming into the best form of his career.  Maybe this year's Ashes makes or breaks him as an international player.

Worth bearing in mind that you're always a better player when you're out of the side.  Bairstow, I have no doubt, will be a top, top player.  I'm not risk averse, but you do need to minimise it and I can totally understand if England's management are reluctant to pick both Root and Bairstow due to inexperience.  If the warm up game is anything to go by and that is the team they want to go with, continuing with Compton would back-up that thought - although not internationally experienced, he has put the time in as a pro.  Logic would suggest that, at present, Root is developing at a faster rate than Bairstow and that's why Bairstow is out of the side.

Audley Harrison is beyond comparison with anyone!

[justnotcricket86]

Audley Harrison won Prizefighter the other day...same as Bell getting a ton in a NZ warm up...means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

I still think Michael Carberry should have got a go   (not a bitter Hants fan at all)

[PedalsMcgrew]

Audley Harrison won Prizefighter the other day...same as Bell getting a ton in a NZ warm up...means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

I still think Michael Carberry should have got a go   (not a bitter Hants fan at all)

I still think Carbs is a good shout. There is no fitter guy in cricket than him, his fielding is still stunning and he looks to have a good heads on his shoulders. Ok, it's not a long term selection as he's now 30 odd but surely you pick your best players. If it's not Compton (who deserves a go) then it has to be Carbs opening for England.

[Binsy]

Baffled by all the Bell-bashing. Test average of over 46 and 17 centuries. Not sure what more he can do. It's not as if anyone has yet suggested someone who could come in and take his place and play better than him.

And no, not Michael Carberry. Compton (rightly) has the opening spot for now but it is clear that this spot will eventually be filled by Root. As mentioned previously, Taylor is next in line.

[jamielsn15]

I still think Carbs is a good shout. There is no fitter guy in cricket than him, his fielding is still stunning and he looks to have a good heads on his shoulders. Ok, it's not a long term selection as he's now 30 odd but surely you pick your best players. If it's not Compton (who deserves a go) then it has to be Carbs opening for England.

Agree that Carberry, if given the same opportunity that Compton has had, had a good shout of becoming a decent Test player.  He had a horrible situation of knowing he had two tests (max) to make an impact and got left out after one.  Surprised he hasn't played in any ODIs...

[wilkie113]

I still think Carbs is a good shout. There is no fitter guy in cricket than him, his fielding is still stunning and he looks to have a good heads on his shoulders. Ok, it's not a long term selection as he's now 30 odd but surely you pick your best players. If it's not Compton (who deserves a go) then it has to be Carbs opening for England.

Pedals, your saying some wise things today mate!

[jamesisapayne]

Looks like there's quite few bell haters out there. Shame really.

[Riddy]

no way should carberry be anywhere near the team.

Taylor is the one who should feel aggreived if anyone.

[Binsy]

no way should carberry be anywhere near the team.

Taylor is the one who should feel aggreived if anyone.

True and True.

[jamielsn15]

Look at it this way, the future's bright for England if Root, Bairstow and Taylor are as good as we all think they are.  Add Cook into the mix and that's not a bad top four in 5 or so years time.

[Liam-SCCC]

And the award for the topic that has gone of subject dramatically goes to......................