Ian Bell got to a maiden Test double century, and after a previous highest of 199, getting to the landmark would have tasted sweet indeed. More than the runs he made - hugely substantial as they were - it was Bell's class and delectable touch that stood out in his innings. There wasn't an ugly stroke, and there was finesse aplenty. What Bell's innings did was hammer home the advantage for England to the point where the only realistic option for India was a draw or a loss in the Test. It is something England have done all series long, but rarely was it done with as much visual delight as Bell provided.
Bell had created the door, Graeme Swann slammed it shut and hammered a few nails in to make anything other than defeat a miracle for India. In response to England's massive 591/6 declared, what India needed was their strongest batting performance of the series. What happened was that Swann - the only English bowler not among the wickets so far - ended the day with 3/27, including the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar. He may have been a tad fortunate to get Raina's wicket too off a marginal decision, but the ball that got Raina out was a beauty, and showed why Swann is the premier spinner in world cricket today.
They have both been integral parts of England's rise, and today both Bell and Swann did their part in ensuring the dominance continued.
No comments:
Post a Comment