England v West Indies, Lords - Day 2

Ian Bell, this morning stands on the precipice of deselection, despite one of the best innings he has ever played. Even after being demoted down the order to 6 so as to allow the hapless Shah to take guard at 3, this 25 year didn't sulk. Instead he raised his game with a show of class and true Test batting. Of course, his innings will always be overshadowed by Matt Prior's magnificent knock because Prior has scored faster and has taken the lion's share of the runs in the partnership. But, in my mind this simply highlights why Bell is the superior player; there can be no doubt of Prior's class but had he been partner to KP or even Collingwood runs would have been harder, much harder to come by. Instead, Bell's maturity as a Test batsman who is versatile enough to adapt his game from top order to middle order made sure that Prior got the strike. This was very very good cricket. Of course, Bell will be dropped as soon as Freddie passes fitness. This will be a mistake. Freddie might be fit enough to bat but he is not fit enough to bowl. Let him rest. He has nothing to offer us with his bat at the moment and a spell of having to fight for his place will do him good.

It's funny because you know that Bell will accept whatever the Selectors decide and bide his time as he has done so often. What this man has written all over him is Future England Captain.

Back from the future and to the job in hand. A declaration will surely come first thing this morning. The Hoggard & Harmison Express will be chomping at the bit right now at the prospect of a shiny new cherry and a damp Lord's pitch. Away you go lads. To be honest England have already done enough to win this game. And we should win without having to bat again. Our strike attack will knock them over cheaply and enforce the follow-on. Moores will be crowned a hero and Fletcher will be admitting to himself that when it came to spotting a decent keeper he was a 1st Class Klutz. And then the other thing a comprehensive win will bring is this: Michael Who? Freddie What?