England’s Ian Bell and West Indie’s Darren Bravo: striking top-order batsmen – ICC World Cup 2011
The West Indians are ready to take on England in a decisive ICC World Cup 2011 match at Chennai on Thursday. Strauss and company have to win this match if they want to harbour any of their chances of reaching the knockout stage of the tournament. The Windies
are in a much better position to qualify for the next round, as the Poms have faced two bitter defeats from minnows while the West Indians are entering in this game with three consecutive wins under their belt.
The team batting first is expected to pile up a huge total because of the batting-friendly nature of the Chennai wicket. Both teams have a variety of superb batsmen in their line-up. England has the classy Ian Bell and the West Indies possess the aggressive
Darren Bravo.
Ian Bell is the classiest batman in the English sides, with a solid technique and marvellous footwork, Bell can launch an attack on the opposition bowlers anytime that he wants. The 28-year-old right-hand batsman has always been criticised for his inconsistency
and failure to play longer innings, but some high-quality performances in the recent Ashes series has turned Bell into a dependable top order batsman.
With the ability to play attractive drives against pace bowlers, Bell also uses his feet effectively against the spinners. He is a quick runner between the wickets and keeps the scoreboard ticking over during his innings.
“Arguably the classiest batsman in the recent Ashes, Bell has matured in the last 18 months, and now turns class and potential into high-quality performance. Lacks Morgan's range, but capable of similar innings," said Angus Fraser, former England fast bowler.
In 95 One Day Internationals, Bell has an average of 35.34 with the bat while he is just 31 runs short of his 3000 mark. Bell has not performed badly against the Windies in his career, as in four games, his average is a little under 34 against them. In the
World Cup so far, Bell’s performance has been fluctuating up and down and a vital contest against the West Indies is the perfect occasion for him to play a match winning innings.
On the other side, Darren Bravo is ready to dismantle the English bowling attack. England has been suffering with some severe problems regarding their bowling, as Stuart Broad has gone back to home after an injury and Jimmy Anderson has yet to make a mark
in the tournament. Darren Bravo will love to punish the English bowlers with his brutal batting.
With excellent stroke-playing and positive footwork, the 22-year-old left-hander is a versatile player who can defend well with his rock-solid technique and launch an attack on the bowlers when needed. It is impossible to keep him quite on the crease. Though
Bravo has just started his international career, cricket experts consider him a bright future prospect for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 Cricket.
"A special talent of whom much is expected. This stylish left-hander has been likened unto Brian Lara, but brings a very even temperament of his own to his batting. This World Cup may be just the stage to announce his arrival," said Jeff Dujon, former West
Indian wicket-keeper.
Bravo is playing his first World Cup and up until now he has an average of a little under 38. In 17 ODIs, Bravo has 457 runs to his credit along with three half centuries.
Darren Bravo and Ian Bell are two stylish players to watch during their exciting game on Thursday. Both will be going all out to prove their worth and move one step closer to the coveted trophy.
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