IR Bell pretty little fifties thread

[SillyCowCorner1]

So Stokes’ fifty had intent in it- good in the context of the innings

Root’s was immaculate (save for the LBW decision that we didn’t review, 3 reds FFS!)

Jamie Smith’s was absolutely brilliant, he took the game away from us and expertly negotiated the short ball barrage.

 

[Ali TT]

Stokes and Root obviously rescued England from a dire position but both did get out when still behind and the opportunity there to push on. Stokes has a general lack of application issue, lots of starts over recent years but few big innings and plenty of poor dismissals. But guess that's another topic. Root will always get a mention on here whenever he doesn't convert because it's just such an intrinsic feature of his career.

More personally I feel that while test centuries aren't rare, they're still special so when opportunities to witness one are lost my feelings range from sadness and disappointment (Smith getting a grubber on 95), frustration (Root again!!) to annoyance (Stokes "it's just the way he plays").

 

[Chin Music]

Stokes and Root obviously rescued England from a dire position but both did get out when still behind and the opportunity there to push on. Stokes has a general lack of application issue, lots of starts over recent years but few big innings and plenty of poor dismissals. But guess that's another topic. Root will always get a mention on here whenever he doesn't convert because it's just such an intrinsic feature of his career.

More personally I feel that while test centuries aren't rare, they're still special so when opportunities to witness one are lost my feelings range from sadness and disappointment (Smith getting a grubber on 95), frustration (Root again!!) to annoyance (Stokes "it's just the way he plays").

Is it that unreasonable to see a lack of ruthlessness by individual players?It is unfair on Smith in this instance but far less so on Stokes who was careless. I was out and about later on so I missed Root etc.

 

[Ali TT]

We're back with Zak!