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[Howzat]

Anyone else having an Ashes party next saturday!?

[Colesy]

Big series for Bell in terms of what? He was found out by the Australian dream team and he couldn't find an answer as to how to deal with them? Now he's trying to bash a mediocre Australian side? Bell is an average player at best.

I strongly disagree.

[Jeet]

A lot of players were found out by McGrath and Warne.  There is no shame in that.  Bell is a very different player from the one that played the 2005 series.  Don't forget that he scored 4 50s in the 2006/7 series.  He just needs to kick on and turn those starts into hundreds, a feat which he is entirely capable of. 

I think he will be the leading scorer on either side in the upcoming series.

Whether he's leading run score or not, the achievement wouldn't be as special against the current Australian side, like it would've been vs McGrath, Warne, Lee etc. The pinnacle of a players career is to master the best, Bell failed to do this twice, 2005 and 2007-08.

[roco]

You can only beat what put in front of you

[Jeet]

You can only beat what put in front of you

Didn't know England had won anything yet....

[mattwhitfield17]

Sorry to but in here, But because Bell diden't perform in 2 series, that makes him a bad player? there are a lot of players who diden't perform against Mcgrath and Warne, they were both World class Bowlers!

[Jeet]

Sorry to but in here, But because Bell diden't perform in 2 series, that makes him a bad player? there are a lot of players who diden't perform against Mcgrath and Warne, they were both World class Bowlers!

Most players give 100% against the best, Bell crashed and burnt, he was spineless

[johan95]

I strongly disagree.

I completely agree with that: I disagree with what you said too, Jeet. Bell is a class player; some of his innings have Been of top quality and great maturity (eg. 40 over final for Warwickshire (107), and vs. Bangladesh (128) over the summer!)

[roco]

He was weak mentally but stronger now still a very classy player

Plus never said the won anything being a bit defensive aren't we only saying yes beating a team including warne & McGrath is an achievement bit an ashes win is still sweet no matter who is in the team

[mattwhitfield17]

Most players give 100% against the best, Bell crashed and burnt, he was spineless

I just dont think you can judge a player based on Two series..form is temporary, class is permanent..i think bell will shine in this Ashes.

[Johng]

Hi All,

I am Australian and impartial to the two sides playing, I like to think.

But I do look forward to a good spanking from England as this will give Australian cricket the good shake up it needs which, is long overdue.

The Australian side that will play this Ashes series is ordinary at best and if England can not win the series they will need to take a good long hard look at themselves.

But I feel this England side is a good side, but not that good, it is just that the Australian side is so ordinary that makes England seem better than what they are.

Bell is a good bat and so is Trott but remember what they will be facing!! A pretty ordinary Australian attack.

England to win the Ashes 3-1 but do not under estimate an ordinary Australian side on home soil!!

[Jeet]

I completely agree with that: I disagree with what you said too, Jeet. Bell is a class player; some of his innings have Been of top quality and great maturity (eg. 40 over final for Warwickshire (107), and vs. Bangladesh (128) over the summer!)

So by scoring runs vs Bangladesh that makes you a class player? Jason Gillespie must be one of the best batsmen ever then

[golders]

I think this is bell's last chance to show england followers he is the player we all hope he would become- he needs to make a big impact on a big series. If he fails, he will go down as a decent player who flattered to deceive.
Personally I'd love to see him have a blinder, score two tons, and start pushing that average up towards fifty. Come on Sherminator!

[justnotcricket86]

Johng you have a point mate. Yes its ours to loose however some seem to forget that this is Australia away. Hard place to go. However, I still think we will hammer them.

I for one hope Bell does a good job and justifies the endless opportunities he has been given over the years. You can't help feeling that this is his last chance.

[johan95]

So by scoring runs vs Bangladesh that makes you a class player? Jason Gillespie must be one of the best batsmen ever then

No. You are not thinking about the context of the game and intense determination he had in that knock- England were In a shocking position at that time and ge dug them out of it. He has performed at test level, though I concede he hasn't been as prolific against Australia, but then again not that many people are..however I shall leave you to your opinions- as people have said 'form is temporary, class is permanent': all I'm expressing are my opinions though. (which are shared by others too.)