All posts by h716a5.icu

Newcastle United may be aided in their ambitious pursuit of Nicolo Barella due to Inter Milan's financial situation, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Nicolo Barella?

According to Telegraph Sport, Newcastle United are 'pushing hard' in their attempts to bring Barella to Tyneside this summer from Italian giants Inter Milan.

The report states that the proposed deal could be worth around £50 million and Leicester City playmaker James Maddison is said to be their other key target this window.

Football Insider contradict these claims and state that it may take as much as £70 million to entice Barella away from San Siro ahead of next term.

This would mean that the Magpies would have to smash through their transfer record to capture Barella, overtaking Alexander Isak as the most expensive signing in club history following the Sweden international's move from Real Sociedad last year for £63 million.

Capology understand that Barella earns around €178,077 (£152,922) per week at the Italian giants on a contract that runs until June 2026.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that although Inter Milan will be reluctant to sell star players such as Barella and Alessandro Bastoni, who has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur, something may have to give due to their financial reality.

Jacobs told FFC: "Barella is another one that Inter are adamant they're going to keep on to; Bastoni, Tottenham have looked at in the past as another player that Inter swear until they're black and blue in the face if you like because that's their club colours, that they're adamant he won't go anywhere, but something's got to give because their financial situation."

Would Nicolo Barella be a good signing for Newcastle United?

Barella would be a very bold statement signing from Newcastle United as they prepare to host Champions League football at St James' Park next term.

In 2022/23, the Italy international made 52 appearances in all competitions for Inter Milan, registering nine goals and ten assists, as per Transfermarkt.

As per WhoScored, the 26-year-old was an inventive presence during the campaign and managed an average of 1.6 key passes per match in Serie A.

Barella was also a driving force in Inter Milan's midfield and successfully performed 146 shot-creating actions in total across the season, as per FBRef.

Newcastle United are in an exciting moment as a club and bringing in someone like Barella would be a major coup for the Magpies as they look forward to 2023/24.

Liverpool could now be leading the race to sign Samuel Chukwueze according to Sports Mole, who claim that Villarreal are ready to sell him this summer.

Are Liverpool linked with Samuel Chukwueze?

The current Villareal man has once more been a key player for the Spanish side this season, playing in 37 La Liga games for the club. With 27 starts, he has managed his most goal contributions in a top flight season, with Chukwueze managing eleven over the 2022/23 campaign.

In addition to that, he also ranks highly amongst attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe too. When you compare his stats to those in that position in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues, he has a rate of 3.31 successful take-ons per 90 – which puts him within the top three percent of players in that area.

In addition, he has also managed 5.12 progressive carries per 90 too, which puts him in the 91st percentile there to boot. It means that, as far as his dribbling goes, there aren't many better at driving up the pitch and beating players one on one.

It's put him on the radar of Liverpool, and they've today been handed a boost in terms of potentially signing him. That's because, according to a report from Sports Mole, the Reds are now believed to be in pole position to add him to their ranks with Arsenal potentially leaving the race to focus on Kai Havertz.

Further to that, Villareal are now prepared to sell him this summer in order to keep their finances stable.

What is Chukwueze worth?

There is no potential fee mentioned in regards to Chukwueze or how much Liverpool may have to pay for the player, but Transfermarkt suggest that his current value could be around the 25 million Euro mark (£21.4m). If that is the case, then it could be quite a cut-price deal for the attacker and could make him a bargain buy for Liverpool.

When you consider how highly he is regarded too, it makes it look even more shrewd for the Reds. His coach Quique Setien called him an "extraordinary player" for example, which shows how impressive he has been for Villareal.

If he can carry that form over to the Premier League, then he could be a real asset to Liverpool if they sign him this window.

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha has said his team’s inexperienced pace attack has to overcome the physical test of playing back-to-back Tests if the team is to compete as hard as it did in Wellington

Mohammad Isam in Christchurch18-Jan-2017Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha has said his team’s inexperienced pace attack has to overcome the physical test of playing back-to-back Tests if the team is to compete as hard as it did in Wellington. Taskin Ahmed, Subashis Roy and Kamrul Islam Rabbi together bowled 99.2 overs to take seven wickets in Wellington, and get only a three-day break before the second Test begins in Christchurch.Hathurusingha said none of the Bangladesh pace bowlers were used to taking on that much of a workload, with the Wellington Test being Taskin’s first first-class game in nearly four years. Subashis and Rabbi are regulars at their domestic outfits but like any other pace bowler in Bangladesh’s domestic scene, they hardly get a long bowl in first-class matches. Hathurusingha also pointed out that conditions in Christchurch would be favourable to the Bangladesh bowlers.”I think it is a physical challenge of bowling in back-to-back Tests for long overs,” Hathurusingha said. “If you look deep into their history, they are not used to bowling like 18 overs and then another 15 overs the next day. With the physical challenge comes the mental challenge as well. But the good thing is that this is the best condition for fast bowlers.”We had a very green attack in the last game, who had an experience of two Tests between the three fast bowlers. One of them hasn’t played a first-class game for three years. But it is not an excuse. We prepared them the way we want. I think they bowled really well in the first innings. They bowled for 140-odd overs and created enough chances. Their [New Zealand] captain acknowledged it as well. What happened in the second innings had nothing to do with them. We lost because of batting.”Apart from the fast bowlers’ encouraging show, Hathurusingha is also banking on the batsmen repeating what they did in the first innings in Wellington. Shakib Al Hasan made his maiden double-century while Mushfiqur Rahim battled hard for his 159. Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Haque and Sabbir Rahman also made fifties. Hathurusingha said Bangladesh would look to finish the game better than they did in Wellington.”We can take lots of positives out of the last game. We were ahead in the game for four days until the last half an hour. We approach this [Christchurch Test] the same way as we did the last Test match.”We batted really well in the first innings. We will have the same approach. We expect similar conditions here as well. If we happen to bat first, we will do the same thing. We are expecting to finish the game better than the last game.”For the second innings debacle that ultimately cost Bangladesh the match, Hathurusingha didn’t point fingers at any batsman in particular but said their approach depended on their mindset, which has to improve in a game’s second innings. Bangladesh were bowled out for 160 with Mushfiqur Rahim having to retire hurt after receiving a knock to the head and Imrul Kayes also injuring his thigh. But the rest of the batsmen, particularly Shakib, couldn’t replicate their first-inning exploits.”I don’t blame one particular person. It is all about our batting group,” Hathurusingha said. “We didn’t bat well in the second innings. What went through their head, I don’t know.”It is definitely something to do with how they think, how they approach the second innings. We have discussed it and I am sure we are going to rectify it in the next game.”

Tottenham Hotspur have Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo "high" on their list of targets for the summer, according to journalist Alasdair Gold.

Which defenders are Tottenham signing?

In a recent update on Twitter, Gold confirmed that Adarabioyo is one of Tottenham's key defensive targets for this window, saying:

"Understand Tosin Adarabioyo remains high on Spurs' list of potential central defender moves this summer after some extensive scouting last season."

However, the Fulham defender is not Spurs' only potential target, as detailed by Gold in his report for Football London, with Bundesliga duo Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van de Ven also said to be on their list of targets.

The Lilywhites are looking to overhaul their defence ahead of next season, and talks are ongoing over a deal for Tapsoba, who Gold has previously highlighted as the club's "main target".

Van de Ven remains an option if Tottenham are unable to get a move for Tapsoba over the line, with the Dutch centre-back expected to leave Wolfsburg this summer, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

In the aforementioned Football London report, Gold claims that Adarabioyo ticks plenty of boxes, as he is a homegrown player, and his contract is set to expire at the end of next season, meaning he could be available for a knock-down fee.

The £37k-per-week defender's performances last season have earmarked him as a strong possibility for Ange Postecoglou's defence, however, Spurs will have to fend off interest from elsewhere, with the likes of Inter Milan and AS Monaco also interested.

Is Tosin Adarabioyo leaving Fulham?

With some top clubs from across Europe interested in the centre-back, it would not be a surprise if he seeks pastures new this summer, and some of his displays in the 2022-23 campaign indicate he could be a solid signing for Tottenham.

Having previously been hailed as "magnificent" by former Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray, the Englishman has now started to prove himself in the Premier League, averaging 5.5 clearances per game last term, the highest amount in the Fulham squad.

The former Blackburn man received a match rating of over 7.0 in eight of his final ten games for Fulham last season, putting in a very solid display despite a 1-0 loss at Liverpool, making eight clearances and one interception.

Adarabioyo had a very strong end to the 2022-23 campaign, and he could now be ready to take the next step his career by making the switch to Tottenham.

The Pakistan captain has had some time to reassess his career and he is looking forward to leading the team during the three Tests in the Caribbean in April

Umar Farooq18-Feb-20171:11

‘Enjoying the game again’ – Misbah-ul-Haq

Pakistan tour of WI 2017

1st T20I, March 31, Port of Spain
2nd T20I, April 2, Port of Spain
1st ODI, April 7, Providence
2nd ODI, April 9, Providence
3rd ODI, April 11, Providence
Tour game, April 15-17, Trelawny
1st Test, April 22-26, Kingston
2nd Test, April 30-May 4, Bridgetown
3rd Test, May 10-14, Roseau

Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan Test captain, has said he is “most likely” to be on the tour to West Indies in March with the PCB open to his playing another series before taking a call on his retirement.Misbah has been under immense scrutiny having led the team to six successive defeats in Test cricket, although it was under him that Pakistan were ranked No. 1 in the format last year. A dip in his batting form and his being 42 years old added to the drama that reached its peak after the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne last year when Misbah admitted to being unsure about his future as a cricketer. He has since had time to reassess and is in a better frame of mind.”It was tough on me recently with my form but now overall everything is going well so far,” Misbah told ESPNcricinfo. “I am spending time in middle, hitting the ball pretty well. Played practice matches before the PSL started and had sessions of range hitting so getting confidence with every passing game.”I am also enjoying the game so it’s most likely that I am going to the West Indies. I always believed if had to go [and play cricket] then I have to go with form and confidence otherwise there was no point of going.”ESPNcricinfo understands that the PCB and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq are putting plans in place for a smooth transition by which Pakistan can move on from the senior players like Misbah and Younis Khan. Recent meetings between the board and the selection panel have indicated their preference for having one captain for all formats but Shaharyar Khan, who has the constitutional right as PCB chief to appoint the captain, is happy to leave the call with Misbah himself. “We will respect Misbah’s decision, whatever it is. But if he is willing to play then he is my captain.”Misbah has led Pakistan in more Tests than any other player, and the 24 wins in his tenure is a national record as well. However, in comparison with some of his peers – Imran Khan or Javed Miandad – he has also lost a lot more matches. Misbah’s contribution as batsman has been significant. Since he took charge of Pakistan in 2010, he averages 50.55 which is on par with the best in history.Head coach Mickey Arthur has been in talks with Misbah as well regarding his future. Both of them are currently in the UAE for the Pakistan Super League. “I am scheduled to have another chat with Misbah next week and we will see how that all transpires. The one thing that for certain is Misbah has been fantastic for Pakistan cricket. He has been a great leader and he has been a great servant and he deserves all the accolades that he will get eventually whether that is now or whenever he does go. So I can’t shed any more lights on that because I don’t know and I am not even sure that Misbah knows it himself.”

If the proposed 9-3 Test system comes to fruition, Zimbabwe, unlike Afghanistan, stand to lose heavily, which makes their upcoming series at home vital to figure out their best XI and improve their ranking

Firdose Moonda15-Feb-2017Australia are gearing up for Tests against a team that has not lost at home in over four years – India; England are undergoing generational change as Joe Root takes over from Alastair Cook; South Africa’s preparations for the Champions Trophy have seen them reach No.1 on the ODI rankings and they are now fine-tuning against the No. 3 side – New Zealand; Pakistan are in the midst of their T20 showpiece, and Zimbabwe? Zimbabwe are about to play Afghanistan for the fourth time in three years. Welcome to the future of cricket.This is what things could look like post the current FTP, when, if the 9-3 Test split is agreed upon, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will become even more familiar with each other than they already are. Ireland will join their club, and although all three of them should be able to look forward to regular fixtures against their other nine Full Members, they will have to get used to forming a second tier of sorts. Afghanistan and Ireland won’t mind too much – it is their chance to play with the big boys – but Zimbabwe are understood to be more than just a little put out by the prospect.They already feel like outsiders looking in, and their fixture list will keep them that way. Zimbabwe are not due to play anyone until July, when they should visit Sri Lanka. They host West Indies before heading into the World Cup qualifiers next March, and unless their fixture list fills up fast, they will be woefully short of match time. That is why they are reaching out to Afghanistan – and are also reportedly in talks with Scotland – and why they are trying to play against as many A teams as possible.Zimbabwe need matches, and they need them desperately if only to figure out who their best are. To say they have very little idea of that is putting it mildly. To that end, Zimbabwe have named a squad that includes six changes from the one that played in a triangular series against Sri Lanka and West Indies in November. That’s almost half the squad that is different, and it suggests they are still very much in a look-and-see phase.The most notable exclusions are Hamilton Masakadza, Tinashe Panyangara and Sean Williams, who all failed fitness tests. Williams has a back injury and should be recalled upon recovery, provided he passes a second test while Panyangara, who has not played any cricket since the tri-series, will retake his test on Friday. Chamu Chibhabha and Brian Chari have struggled for form, although Chari scored an unbeaten 84 in the most recent round of List A matches.In their places, Zimbabwe have picked from some of their most in-form players from the series against Afghanistan A. Although they lost 1-4, Ryan Burl was the highest run-scorer with 266 runs at 53.20 and could not be ignored. Burl notched up over 100 runs more than his nearest challenger, Innocent Kaia, also from Zimbabwe, who was not selected. Instead, Zimbabwe looked to add bowlers who performed against Afghanistan A despite an obvious lack of penetration. Tendai Chatara and Nathan Waller were their joint highest wicket-takers with six each, and fourth overall. They were picked alongside Wellington Masakadza, 19-year old left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava, and Solomon Mire, whose return is the most interesting.Afghanistan have proven that they can challenge established international outfits, and this series will give them the chance to make another case for more matches•Peter Della PennaMire was talked up as the next big thing – a Lance Klusener of sorts – ahead of the 2015 World Cup. He played five matches and did not make anything like the impact he was expected to before choosing to stay in Australia and play grade cricket. He has only recently returned to Zimbabwe and made himself available for international cricket.The indication is that Zimbabwe need someone (else) in the Elton Chigumbura mould so that if Chigumbura, who has most recently played as a batsman only, needs to be dropped, they don’t lack a seam-bowling allrounder. Mire’s worth is chief among all the things Zimbabwe want this series to reveal.So is appeasing the country’s sports minister, who has voiced his disapproval with the state of Zimbabwean cricket to the point where he has asked for “something drastic” to take place to improve things. “We are extremely worried by the performance of our cricket teams, especially when they are playing Associate nations,” Makhosini Hlongwane, the sports minister, was quoted as saying in . “Zimbabwe should work hard to improve its rankings among Test-playing nations and should move away from being the whipping boys of cricket.”That’s not an exaggeration, and Afghanistan are the best evidence of it. Zimbabwe have played Afghanistan in three ODI series since July 2014 and not won any of them. They drew the first, 2-2 at home, lost the second 3-2, also at home, and were then defeated 3-2 in Sharjah in the third. Zimbabwe may take heart from the level of competitiveness they showed in all those rubbers – they came back from 2-nil down to draw level in the UAE – but the fact that even their A side has struggled against Afghanistan’s next-best does not bode well for World Cup qualification, especially as Afghanistan will be one of the teams they will be up against.Afghanistan have already shown they have enough in the tank to challenge some of the more established international outfits and recently narrowly lost a series to Bangladesh 1-2. They don’t even need the A sides and their international outfit to overlap as much as Zimbabwe do and could leave out the top three wicket-takers from the A team’s recent win in Zimbabwe – Nawaz Khan, Abdullah Adil and Fazal Niazai – for the series proper. They have called on Aftab Alam and Samiullah Shenwari to join the ranks.With recent history on their side, Afghanistan can only look to this series as another opportunity to make a case to be considered for more matches. They already have recent developments at the ICC on their side. If the ODI league and new Test structure materialise, Afghanistan and Ireland will be the greatest beneficiaries, and unless Zimbabwe step up soon, they may find that even those two countries don’t want to have too much to do with them.

Rangers may not be bringing in Benie Traore this transfer window, with journalist Jonny McFarlane, via Ibrox News, reporting that a deal for the player could be expensive and that he isn't high up on their priority list as a result.

Who is Benie Traore?

The 20-year-old winger currently plies his trade in Sweden for Hacken and has made quite the impression already for the side despite his age. In the 2022/23 season, he bagged a total of 12 goals with two assists along the way.

That record is made even more superb when you consider that the youngster played in only 13 league outings for his side – meaning he averaged 1.10 goals or assists per 90 minutes played.

Whilst he is yet to be called up to his senior national team, his performances have led to him getting his debut for their Under-23 side. He represents the Ivory Coast when it comes to international football and they finally allowed him to star for them in March of this year – showing that his hard work on the field for Hacken is now paying off. It wouldn't be a surprise to soon see him line up for their first-team.

Are Rangers signing Benie Traore?

It's these showings that have since led to interest in his services from Rangers. However, a fresh report from journalist Jonny McFarlane, via Ibrox News, will not be news that Gers fans want to hear.

He states that the Scottish Premiership side do not have a deal for Traore as high up on their priority list as he could be "very expensive" if they were to push forward with a bid for the player – Alan Nixon reports there has already been one effort turned down, though it's not clear which side of Glasgow it came from.

McFarlane finished by saying that fans shouldn't "expect to see Benie Traore at Ibrox any time soon". Celtic could now be in the clear to sign him, with the Hoops also believed to be keeping tabs on the forward.

He said: "Yes there is interest [from Celtic as well] but Rangers see that as one that’ll be very far down the list. He will also be very expensive, based on what I’ve been told by people at the club."

It would be a shame for Rangers to not bring in a player such as Traore, who has already shone to those who have watched him. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig called him Hacken's "jewel" and added that he is another "highly-talented" player that the club have created.

It suggests that there is plenty of talent in his boots – but he may not get the opportunity to show it or to continue to try and fulfil his potential in Scotland with the Gers.

Newcastle United have put the feelers out for Harvey Barnes at Leicester, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting via Caught Offside that there are "contacts" from the Toon over a deal.

How good is Harvey Barnes?

The winger starred for Leicester in the 2022/23 season and despite the Foxes being relegated down to the Championship, the youngster shone. He played in 34 Premier League games for the side and contributed 13 goals with one assist along the way, but it wasn't enough to keep his side up. It was though, his best ever goal haul – showing that when the going got tough with his side, he was able to produce the goods.

In fact, the 25-year-old has never ventured away from Leicester on a permanent basis. The only times he has ever played for a club other than the Foxes has been out on various loan spells. He broke onto the scene as an 18-year-old during a stint with MK Dons in League One and was also given a go in the Championship by Barnsley. After bagging six and five goals respectively for each of those teams, he really found his feet in the second tier with West Brom five years ago. That led to him earning a spot in the Foxes first-team upon his return and he hasn't looked back since.

Are Newcastle United signing Harvey Barnes?

With the side now facing the prospect of at least a season in the second tier though, it means that he could be available, with plenty of clubs higher up the pyramid now sniffing around him. One such side is Newcastle, with the Toon certainly showing a keen interest in bringing Barnes back to the Premier League.

Now, it appears things are slightly further forward for the club, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting via Caught Offside that the side have "contacts" over the player but that nothing is "advanced" as of yet. He stated: "Barnes is appreciated by Newcastle. At the moment it’s not particularly close or advanced, but there are contacts, as he’s one of the players they like."

The England man has showcased his ability in producing the goods at the highest level already, having regularly hit the back of the net over the course of his top flight career. He has a total of 35 Premier League goals to his name for example, with 25 assists to go alongside it. With a goal contribution tally of 60 in 113 starts then, it means his rate stands at an impressive 0.55 – meaning he averages one or the other, every other game.

If Newcastle were to add him to their ranks then, it could be another boost for their squad as they look to challenge in both the league and in Europe. Journalist Josh Bunting has been full of praise for the forward, as he called a strike from the 25-year-old earlier this season "stunning" and "important" for the Foxes. And whilst he wasn't able to keep them up, he did show he could help lead a team from the front line – and now the Toon seemingly want him to help their attack too.

The BCCI has sent a list of observations, of objections as well as suggestions, to the ICC regarding the new constitution that will be up for vote at the next round of meetings in April

Nagraj Gollapudi20-Mar-2017The BCCI has sent a list of observations, of objections as well as suggestions, to the ICC regarding the new constitution that will be up for vote at the next round of meetings in April.While the major focus of the BCCI’s response was the ICC’s proposed new financial model, the board also sent its thoughts on a number of governance issues, including membership, the role of the ICC chairman and the composition of the ICC Board.The new constitution was passed in principle at the board meetings in February but each proposal is likely to be put to vote separately in April.Here is a summary of the main points the BCCI makes:Membership Committee
– The ICC Board must have final say on membership issues with power to re-examine all aspects of any recommendation of the Membership Committee.- The Membership Committee should be an independent external agency that is not part of the ICC. If not, then members that sit on the committee should not be ICC directors.- One member from each continent should be part of the committee. “This is because admission of a new member and/or re-classification of an existing member will impact all members and views of at least one member from each continent needs to be taken into account before assessing the comprehensive impact of the same,” the BCCI said.- If any member was to fall foul of any terms and conditions, then it should get at least 90 days to carry out remedial action before the committee examines the respective board.- If a member country is in serious breach of its obligations then unless there is “prima facie view” or “sufficient evidence” the ICC Board should not suspend or terminate its membership.- The Dispute Resolution Committee, which deals with appeals on membership issues, must be independent of the ICC. No member of this committee should be an ICC director or part of any other committee.- To avoid any impact on the FTP, any new admission or re-classification of an existing Full Member should only be done at the end of every revenue cycle.- To retain Full Member status, a country should have played a minimum number of Test matches.ICC Chairman
.- The chairman should not be elected through a secret ballot. A transparent procedure must be laid out in the ICC’s Articles of Association.- If a chairman fails to finish his tenure, the new entrant should be appointed only for the remainder of the term and not for a fresh two-year period.- The chairman, acting or full-time, cannot have a vote at ICC Board meetings because the post is an independent authority and the ICC is a members’ organisation.- The CEO should report to the ICC Board and not the Chairman. The CEO and ICC management should be appraised by an independent external agency considering the senior staff is paid “substantial bonuses” based on their performance.- The chairman cannot have binding powers. Only the CEO, under the ICC Board’s instructions, should hold such a power.- The chairman cannot call a special meeting or choose a venue for the same. Only the ICC Board has the authority.ICC Board of Directors
– There should be only one director, not three, representing the Associates on the ICC Board.- The Independent director should be a non-voting member.- A current or former player should have a seat on the ICC Board, but also with no vote.- A secret ballot cannot be triggered by two or more voting members on the ICC Board, which the present ICC constitution permits.- The rule about having a two-third vote to pass a resolution can only apply if all the voting members are present- ICC committees should be independent and not comprise any of the Board directors. “This will obviate potential situations where the same person is part of the MC which makes a recommendation, sits on the Board of Directors which reviews the recommendation to take a final decision, and is also part of the Dispute Resolution Committee which will decide any appeal on membership issues against a decision of the MC or Board of Directors.”

Ian Bell’s highest first-class score for more than a year has kept Warwickshire’s heads above water in their Championship match against Surrey

George Dobell at Edgbaston23-Apr-2017
ScorecardIan Bell dug deep in what could turn out to be a significant innings•Getty ImagesIan Bell’s highest first-class score for more than a year has kept Warwickshire’s heads above water in their Championship match against Surrey.When Bell came to the wicket in Warwickshire’s second innings, they were already two down and still 60 behind. For a side bowled out for 91 by the same opponents a couple of weeks ago – and one bowled out for 115 by Yorkshire last week – the signs were ominous.But Bell, playing beautifully straight, negated an admirably disciplined attack and a pitch offering just a little variable bounce to ensure his side go into the final day with hopes of a morale-boosting draw very much alive.Such is Bell’s innate class that, in a professional career stretching the best part of two decades, he has rarely looked out of form. But, over the last couple of years, the runs have not flowed as they have previously and not since April 13, 2016 – the first Championship match of last season – has he made a century or reached a score as high as this.But, as he guided anything short to the third man boundary or anything over-pitched through the covers, it was hard to see any diminution of his powers. That cover drive belongs in the Louvre.The difference here, compared to recent Bell innings, was the discipline. Whereas he has, of late, looked a little over eager to search for the scoring opportunity, here he was prepared to wait for it. So, many balls were left outside off stump and, offered the chance to pull for a boundary, he often settled for rolling his wrists over the ball and settling for the single.There may be other differences. There were times in 2016 when Bell had so much on his plate – issues with discontented colleagues, potential recruitment and the disappointment as the decline of his own Test career – that he perhaps went into games with a mind clouded and burdened.This season, with a head coach and director of cricket keen to alleviate some of those responsibilities, he may have more time to focus on his own game. It is too early to suggest he has turned a corner – it is one innings, after all – but the manner with which he dealt with low bounce and high suggested the technique and the temperament remain a substantial asset to his club.He was given steadfast support by Ian Westwood. While William Porterfield edged a good one that left him and Jonathan Trott fell for his third duck in six Championship innings this season courtesy of one that reared and took the shoulder of his bat, Westwood refused to be drawn at deliveries outside off stump and added a half-century to his first innings century. While Tom Curran eventually snared him with one he might have left, it seems safe to assume he has already done enough to convince Warwickshire to give him a new contract at the end of this season.Warwickshire are in the market for new players, though. They are not nearly as cash-strapped as some might suppose – there is debt, yes, but it is to a benevolent partner and they are on the brink of the best run of major matches in their history – and, if the right players come along, they will pursue them vigorously.This was, as Bell said afterwards, their “best performance of our season without a shadow of doubt.” With Surrey resuming with the opportunity to build a match-defining lead, Warwickshire’s bowlers knew they had to strike early and often.Kumar Sangakkara went early – though not before he had reached his century – poking at a good one that left him, and with Ben Foakes guiding a pull shot to long-leg, Dominic Sibley misreading a lovely slower-ball and Sam Curran (who may find himself reported by the umpires for dissent following his dismissal) missing a straight one, Surrey lost their last seven wickets for a modest 131 runs. It left Warwickshire facing a deficit of 105 and the sense that things could have been much worse.Surrey bowled impressively in Warwickshire’s second innings. Despite losing Mark Footitt to a leg injury – he came back onto the field but is thought unlikely to bowl on the final day – the threat offered by Jade Dernbach and the Currans was unrelenting. Dernbach bowled one especially impressive spell, gaining movement in the air and off the pitch and only being negated by Bell’s excellence.The wicket of Ateeq Javid – nervously playing-on – in the dying moments ensured Surrey go into the final day in a strong position, but they will be just a little nervous of the prospect of chasing on a fourth-day pitch starting to go up and down. Bell still has a substantial amount of work ahead of him, but this was a heartening day for him and his team.