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!

 

[Ali TT]

Two outs in the nervous nineties for the Windies today, with both Louis and Athanaze in touching distance of their first test centuries. Second time for Athanaze

 

[andruid]

How pretty was Bavuma's 70?

 

[Chin Music]

How pretty was Bavuma's 70?

Sounds like he had a fair bit of luck without watching. More than anything though, he more than anyone else has gouged out a respectable test career (36 av) without being prone to kick on and score big. Only 2 tons (22 non-converted 50s) in his entire career of 60 matches. He is no great talent, but a battler.

 

[ataraxia]

Sounds like he had a fair bit of luck without watching. More than anything though, he more than anyone else has gouged out a respectable test career (36 av) without being prone to kick on and score big. Only 2 tons (22 non-converted 50s) in his entire career of 60 matches. He is no great talent, but a battler.

Bavuma's definitely not making the most out of his talent with his conversion rate.

 

[Molehill]

Sounds like he had a fair bit of luck without watching. More than anything though, he more than anyone else has gouged out a respectable test career (36 av) without being prone to kick on and score big. Only 2 tons (22 non-converted 50s) in his entire career of 60 matches. He is no great talent, but a battler.

Dropped early and then there was the caught off a no ball. But after that thought he batted really well, and given the carnage that followed, that 70 is looking like a double ton now.

 

[Ali TT]

Stokes declaring while on 49. Must have read this thread