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[tim2000s]

To be honest, at this point, the past should be left where it is. He is in the last chance saloon, at number 3. If he succeeds, great. If he fails, he's out and we can stop carping about it. I'm not sure who will replace him when that happens. Anyone else got any ideas?

[Number4]

I predict Bell to score a big hundred next test

[tim2000s]

I predict Bell to score a big hundred next test

There's the mockers right there!

[skip1973]

I predict Bell to score a big hundred next test

Are they going to let him bowl?

[L21]

I think people are rather tough on Ian Bell, myself included.

However, what you have to look at is he is the main stay in that England batting line up for the last 10 years or so. Whilst others were being replaced left, right and centre. Bell has held that position and has often proved the doubters wrong.

He also has had a really tough career having been made the scapegoat many times for the failures of the England team.

Even though there were runs on the board, Bell often batted the opposition out the game and usually at a good rate.

What I can't understand is why no one is moaning about Moeen Ali, batting at 8 as an opener is criminal. He is a part time bowler, not a front line spinner who can bat a bit. His only saving grace is that England have the longest batting line up in Test cricket. YET... we still struggle to put 400 on the board.

[Number4]

There's the mockers right there!

I'll try anything 

[Akewstick]

Firstly, the Aussies were in turmoil for that series.

Secondly, he scored a lot of runs and had a good series yes, but have a look at some of the scorecards. Mostly he came in when there were already runs on the board. To say he won the series is over exaggerating.

Thirdly, how many series has that happened in his 10 years as an England player?

But do you need every player to be a match winner? It'd be good, yeah, but in comparison the Ballance and the like, although Bell's count of match-changing innings doesn't add up to much, he's more consistent. "Most of his big scores come when there's already runs on the board" isn't there still a place for someone who does that at number 4?

[TangoWhiskey]

But do you need every player to be a match winner? It'd be good, yeah, but in comparison the Ballance and the like, although Bell's count of match-changing innings doesn't add up to much, he's more consistent. "Most of his big scores come when there's already runs on the board" isn't there still a place for someone who does that at number 4?

You don't need every player to be a match winner, but you do need them to be able to last more than a dozen deliveries when you're under the cosh every once in a while. I'm not pinning all England's woes on him, but he has rarely stood up to be counted when required of him.

[felix]

Interesting feature here. Since the start of 2012 (so including his 2013 ashes contribution), Bell's average is the 2nd lowest of all regular top 6 batsmen, 27th in a list of 28.  Only Watson is lower and he has a few wickets so just about counts as an allrounder.  Not too impressive when you look at it that way.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/902675.html

[L21]

Stats have a funny way of miss representing a player.

Yes he has had a lot of failures, but also has had a few match winning innings in that.

In addition, I doubt any of the England top order look that great after the Ashes down under last time round.

I think we are seeing the eng of Ian Bell's career and the media are really cashing in as they never liked him

[Seniorplayer]

I reckon if the openers can see see off the new ball And bat for a couple of hours England's 3 4 and 5 will do okay. Unlike Lords pretty
certain Edgebaston won't be a win the toss bat first and win the game pitch.

[felix]

Stats have a funny way of miss representing a player.

Yes he has had a lot of failures, but also has had a few match winning innings in that.

In addition, I doubt any of the England top order look that great after the Ashes down under last time round.

I think we are seeing the eng of Ian Bell's career and the media are really cashing in as they never liked him

I thought it was quite a balanced article, pointing out that up to the end of 2011 it looked like he was on the verge of greatness and even acknowledging he'd made tough runs against SA in 2009-10, but he's gone steadily downhill since then.  True there were one or two England bats not too far above him in the list.