Every so often, in life, you do things you’d much rather not for the greater good.
Like not handing back your pint when the clueless round-buyer unwittingly gets you a lager. Or pretending not to notice baked beans have been put in the chilli in place of their kidney counterparts (Hello Mum. Love you! X). Or putting up with horrible, horrible dance music when you’re a passenger in someone else’s car.
Earlier today brought about such an example.
Despite being outrageously talented, one of the finest batsmen of his generation and most probably a really nice chap as well, I’ve never had the time of day for Ian Bell. All the ability in the world, yet no ticker, guts, cojones etc when the going gets tough, which usually means on any turning track or against opposition in the sub continent.
The ‘atters used to have such a player. Jean Louis Valois. A magician from across The Channel. He had opposition defenders in his pocket, a wonderful ability to ghost past players, put crosses on to the head of Big Stevie Howard and a shot like Napoleon’s best Carabinier. He also had the propensity to go missing when it got a bit physical. Especially on a cold Tuesday in the dark North West or on other such challenging weather and well ‘ard full back based situations. For all his shortcomings, I still loved him.
I don’t think I’ll ever love Ian Bell.
But at 8-3 and the slightest threat (or ruddy great big threat, if you’re a natural worrier like me) to England wrapping up a potentially series deciding win in Kolkata with Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott & Kevin Pietersen all out, I R Bell stepped up to the plate and, making short work of a potential banana skin, deployed all the aforementioned class to see his team home, quite comfortably in the end, by seven wickets. Cue delirium among the travelling faithful.
Today England sealed a memorable victory on one of cricket’s greatest stages. It had been a long time coming. Cook (outstanding), Trott, Steve Finn, James Anderson and Graeme Swann helped set this up, yet it was the much maligned (by me and a few others within Eden Gardens anyway) Bell who took us home.
Respect to you sir. Grudgingly or otherwise.
Now go and do it again in Nagpur. Please.
December 9, 2012
henrywisson
3 responses to “Viewing Record For England Matches (Away) Stands At: Seen 6, Drawn 2, Lost 2, Won 2”
cousin Dan
December 9th, 2012 at 18:47
Mr. JT is a devoted fan. I remember JT in deep conversation in the ICC in Lahore, I believe, having such a conversation.
Too many Rubby Murray bitters I think!
chubbs
December 10th, 2012 at 13:54
How very dare you Wisson ???
We have spent hours over the last 10 years or so discussing the genius and quality of Ian Bell, technically the best batsman in the England team and the player who has been messed about more than anyone else, how many other batsmen have batted in all positions in the order from 2 – 8 ?
A modern day Graham Thorpe if you will.
Why question Bell ? The big question is if he wasn’t playing would Bairstow or even that clown Patel be a better option ? I think not.
On the other hand, I didn’t care who got the runs, 2-1 up in the series, that is all that matters and it was a great test match !
Jacko's timekeeping
December 11th, 2012 at 09:44
Interesting that you should mention Jean Louis Valois, as the last time I heard his name was the early 2000’s when I had to listen to a work colleague banging on about him relentlessly. The work colleague in question? One Matthew Ryall, who I believe may be very familiar to many people on here as he is from Wilstead, looks a bit like Clyde from the Anthill Mob if that helps..