don't see these two doing that tbh, they will be lucky to motor at 2.15 itbtYes, it is going to be difficult. The point is that run-rate isn't a particular issue. They need to do whatever possible not to be losing wickets.
It doesn't matter what happens, as long as they have as few wickets down at tea as possible. They have to bat close to the day to win the match. Obviously they need to show some intent, but going at three an over for the first two sessions will be enough, leaving them 34 overs (considering slow over rates) to get 200.
Yes I agree that that innings was in a delicate posiition, in hindsight England caned India in that match, but you're right, at the time it was a good innings.He averages 44 against South Africa - that's hardly "average to poor". And his best innings last summer against India was at Trent Bridge, when he came in after Cook had fallen cheaply - he did the "flattening". His battling in this series is largely the product of woeful batting above him in the order - England have been deep in the smelly brown stuff virtually every time he's come to the crease.
surely you didn't expect anything else?Goes without saying but gee that was a poo innings by Bell.