
The legendary Ian Bell is regarded as one of the finest red-ball batters to have represented England. The right-handed batter had a proper technique that helped him play the ball late on conditions which favoured seam and swing. He could also play the sweep shots which helped him perform reasonably well in the sub-continent.
Bell finished international cricket with a highest Test score of 235. However, there was an instance when he was dismissed for 199. The instance occurred in the first Test between England and South Africa at Lord’s in July 2008. In the first innings, Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell had a mammoth 286-run partnership. Pietersen was dismissed after scoring 152 runs off just 181 balls.
However, Bell continued well past the 150-run mark, mixing caution with aggression. He belted 20 boundaries and a solitary six during his knock. However, when he was batting on 199, Bell chipped a delivery straight back at left-arm spinner Paul Harris, who showed quick reflexes to take a fantastic catch.
Bell’s knock ended after he had scored 199 off 336 balls. England also declared after the dismissal as they had already posted a mammoth score of 593. In the first innings, South Africa were bowled out for 247 at the Home of Cricket but they had a much better outing in the following innings, finishing at 393/3 to draw the Test match. Bell was awarded Player of the Match for his marathon innings.
He became the seventh batter to be dismissed for 199. Since Bell, five cricketers have been dismissed for 199 and they are KL Rahul, Steve Smith, Dean Elgar, Faf du Plessis, and Angelo Mathews. England went on to lose the four-match series by 1-2 as South Africa emerged victorious in the Tests in Leeds and Birmingham before losing in London.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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