Bopara - Ian Bell Mk II ?

Well, the question has to be asked - 3 centuries against WI very similar to Bells against Pakistan.

Only thing I would say in his favour is he has the overconfident Essex wideboy persona rather than 'meek pixie' Ian Bell one....

He's an Eagle not a Bear.

If i was in charge RB would have been playing test cricket for at least 18 months now.

JKLever wrote:Well, the question has to be asked - 3 centuries against WI very similar to Bells against Pakistan.

Only thing I would say in his favour is he has the overconfident Essex wideboy persona rather than 'meek pixie' Ian Bell one....

Ian Ronald's efforts against the Paksters were batting six with a big total already on the board.

Just the way he likes it - easy street.

Dello wrote:

JKLever wrote:Well, the question has to be asked - 3 centuries against WI very similar to Bells against Pakistan.

Only thing I would say in his favour is he has the overconfident Essex wideboy persona rather than 'meek pixie' Ian Bell one....

Ian Ronald's efforts against the Paksters were batting six with a big total already on the board.

Just the way he likes it - easy street.

True, I guess we'll see after the Ashes (and surely he's now a shoe-in) if he's a pap attack bully.

Two of the centuries could be perhaps classed as easy runs but the middle one certainly wasn't. He's already done what Bell in around 50 Tests never has, scoring not only the first but the only century in an innings.

He's got the confidence to settle in quickly at this level and I'm sure has improved a lot technically and in terms of experience since his early games in Sri Lanka. If he isn't a long-term success then I don't think it will be for the same reasons as Bell.

In terms of natural ability - there's probably not much in it between Bell and Bopara. But I don't think Bell would have scored a ton at Lords as Bopara seems to have the cojones to get his head down and bat all day.

Looking forward to the day when he can give free expression to his strokeplay in tests. I think we might just see something special.

Bopara wouldn't have scored a ton at Lord's if the umpire had eyes. Or if the West Indies' fielders had hands. I'd say all three of his hundreds so far have been laced with luck. His hooking throughout his maiden Test ton made things very worrying.

Bopara can only play whatever team is in front of him. It's harsh to suggest he's the new Ian Bell just because he's scoring runs against poor opposition.

Henry wrote:Bopara can only play whatever team is in front of him. It's harsh to suggest he's the new Ian Bell just because he's scoring runs against poor opposition.

Indeed, Trev. If he averages 30-something against the Ozzies, then will be the time to get your "new-Ian Bell" cock out and give it a juggle . . .

A new Ian Bell Bell End, perhaps?

Henry wrote:Bopara can only play whatever team is in front of him. It's harsh to suggest he's the new Ian Bell just because he's scoring runs against poor opposition.

Aye, 3 tons in succcessive Tests is about as good as it gets.

Will be interested to see what game plan the dumbo version of Flanders comes up with.

skully wrote:

Henry wrote:Bopara can only play whatever team is in front of him. It's harsh to suggest he's the new Ian Bell just because he's scoring runs against poor opposition.

Aye, 3 tons in succcessive Tests is about as good as it gets.

Will be interested to see what game plan the dumbo version of Flanders comes up with.

Bopara is probably not the best player of the hook there's ever been.

[makes a note to send an email to Tim Nielsen]

skully wrote:[makes a note to send an email to Tim Nielsen]

Farque off ...that stoopid sozzie qunt will only use it as an excuse to give dung and his bouncer-yorker combo a go

embee wrote:

skully wrote:[makes a note to send an email to Tim Nielsen]

Farque off ...that stoopid sozzie qunt will only use it as an excuse to give dung and his bouncer-yorker combo a go

Hehehe.

Hopefully we see more scorecards similar to this one
http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005/AUS_IN_ENG/SCORECARDS/AUS_ESSEX_03-04SEP2005.html

what? a boring draw withTAYPodge making runs?

Well, the top half at least....

fairy muff

I think the Aussies will have figured Chef out this time. Expect lots of full straight stuff.

This time? Despite 1 hundred was hardly a raging success in 06/7

I put that down to having to step up from #3 to opener at the last minute when poor Tres went home sick. Johann suddenly ran out of form too. Tres was a big stabilising force for our batting.

skully wrote:[makes a note to send an email to Tim Nielsen]

Nielsen can read?

Yep. He's only half English, bas . . . .