The forgotten man of English wicket keeping; is one of the best glovemen in the world, second only to Alex Carey. Ben Foakes has just proven why you do not need “Bazball” to bat with the tail.
Bens impressive 128 for Surrey against Warwickshire today at Edgbaston was an innings of beauty for a true traditionalist of the game; his strokeplay was elegant and beautiful, the technique so wonderful against the moving ball. The ability to play with soft hands when there is movement is a skill within itself.
His teammate Jamie Smith could learn a thing or two from him about batting, let alone wicket keeping.
Surrey was on the brink at 65/6 when he was joined by another rising star, Tom Lawes. Foakes did not panic and try to smash the ball to all parts of the ground, like we would normally see from the England wicket keepers when they have to bat with the tail, he kept calm and put faith in Lawes. They began to rebuild, slowly at first with Lawes playing his part reaching 85.
Foakes’ half century came off 93 balls, with seven 4s and a 6. He reached his century with his 17th 4 off 172 balls as he made Warwickshire pay for a crucial drop when he was on 45.
He lost Lawes after a partnership of 155 – batting properly may I add -. Ben was then joined by Sean Abbott, the Australian overseas player, who made 40 and added 108 crucial runs with Foakes as the Warwickshire bowlers tired and batting became easier.
Foakes negotiated the new ball with all the skill of a top order batsman whilst putting faith in Lawes and Abbott, he did not try to farm the bowling and just played his natural game.
He was eventually bowled for 128 off 199 balls which contained 21 fours and a six, in an innings that lasted 269 minutes against a high quality Warwickshire attack. Fittingly, he was the last man out.
I certainly hope that Key and McCullum have been made aware of this magnificent innings and the way that it was compiled with ease and without brutality. This man should have the gloves for England when New Zealand arrive on our shores. There should always be a place for proper batting within our game. Oh, and did I mention the lad can keep as well?
