Talent Cricket Young Player of the Month: George Bell

After featuring on the honours board in the July issue as a result of his three centuries for Manchester Grammar School, Bell has continued his form into the holidays

Batsman George Bell has been piling on the runs for club, school and county this summer.

After featuring on the honours board in the July issue as a result of his three centuries for Manchester Grammar School, Bell has continued his form into the holidays, hitting 121 not out for Alderley Edge 3rd XI and 129 for Lancashire Under-17s.

It was the latter innings that really caught the eye.

Coming in at 90 for 3 he and Jack Doyle put on 250 for the fourth wicket and took the game out of Derbyshire's reach.

The 16-year-old's innings came off 203 balls which showed just how much his batting had developed.

"He's an accumulator," said his father, Jonathan. "He bats with a dogged style and refuses to give his wicket away. He used to be a bit more flamboyant but has since reined it in and learned to be more patient. He's maturing as a batsman."

But that doesn't mean Bell can't turn up the tempo when required. His 121 not out for Alderley Edge came off just 109 balls and set his side up for a 96 run victory.

"He wants to be a professional cricketer." Jonathan said.

"Lancashire are impressed with him, particularly as he plays a year up in the U17s. He is in their academy and the hope is that he will play a few games for the 2nd XI next summer. However it would be quite frightening if he comes up against players like Jofra Archer!"

Honours board

Batsmen

George Bell (16) 121* for Alderley Edge 3rd XI v Hyde 3rd XI; 129 for Lancashire U17 v Derbyshire U17.

Allrounders

Matthew Bonds (13) 5-18 for Redruth 4th XI v St Just 4th XI (also scored 73).

Bowlers

Matthew Scott (14) 5-29 for Dartford 3rd XI v Bromley 3rd XI.

Owain Evans (12) 6-11 for Ynystawe 3rd XI v Pontardawe 2nd XI (including a hat trick).

Jacob Pauline (13) 6-16 for Rochdale 3rd XI v Enfield 3rd XI.

Ben Robinson (11) 5-8 for Ryton U11 v Lintz U11.

Noah Rider (14) 5-64 for Torquay 2nd XI v Bovey Tracey 3rd XI.

Laura Smitten (15) 5-9 for Warwickshire U17 v Cambridgeshire U17.

Ned Bosworth (16) 5-16 for Kegworth Town 2nd XI v Newbold Verdon 2nd XI.

Henry Tipping (13) 5-33 for Wakerley & Barrowden Friendly XI v Knossington Friendly XI.

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