Clarke and Bell facing last orders
IAN BELL and Michael Clarke seem to be regulars in the last- chance saloon and, even in this climate of spurned invites for beers between teams, might be inclined to share a cold one at the third Test at Edgbaston.
As veterans of 112 Tests apiece, who made their debuts seven weeks apart in 2004 and are the last survivors of the greatest Ashes series of all a year later, they would have much to talk about.
And as things stand the conversation might be uncomfortable given one or possibly both will be swinging out of the doors for the end of their careers.
Bell was described as an easy wicket by the ever- diplomatic David Warner ahead of the tour match at Derby, but his own captain is not exactly clinging on to the crease either.
Clarke helped himself to an unbeaten 44 on Saturday before the match ended in a handshake and a draw.
But the scorebook does not detail that, after promoting himself to opener, he was dropped on 19 off the bowling of the same Derbyshire 2nd XI teenager, Will Davis, who bagged his wicket for 16 in the fi rst innings.
Clarke’s efforts with the bat are showing signs of defi nite decline, having not scored over 50 since the opening Test of the home series against India in December.
He has struggled with a back injury for years but suffered a signifi cant hamstring tear in December which warranted surgery. Since returning he is averaging 32 and is without a century in any form of the game.
Bell is in a similar rut with his numbers this year propped up by a 143 in Antigua on a lifeless pitch, and the 60 in Cardiff.
Aside of those peaks he made 12 in the remaining four innings against West Indies, 43 in four innings against New Zealand and 1, 1 and 11 in the knocks against Australia.
Bell will no doubt appreciate the irony of the fact that just weeks after taking away the vice- captaincy from him and handing it to Joe Root, the England management are asking him to show leadership at No 3 in the order.
Whatever. He is in no doubt that he needs to stand up this week if he is to preserve his place.
ENGLAND Women and Australia Women will lock horns this morning given clear skies after the abandonment of their deciding Royal London one- day international at New Road yesterday.