England’s summer ended in disappointing fashion as Australia emerged victorious in the rain-affected ODI series decider in Bristol.
Here we gather information from the past two weeks and look ahead to the UK’s next mission in the Caribbean, which begins later this month.
Was this a setback for England’s reset?
A 3-2 defeat should be taken into account. How raw England looked in this series highlighted that Adil Rashid is the team’s leading ODI run-scorer despite batting at number 11 at times.
In contrast, world champions Australia were close to full strength. Many teams would have been down 2-0, but England showed enough character to secure a draw before running out of steam.
Losing to Australia is always a tough pill to swallow, but wins at Chester-le-Street and especially Lord’s show that this young, inexperienced England team is on to something.
Who were the star performers?
A clumsy “Who cares?” When it comes to the manner of dismissal, Harry Brook found himself in the firing line after making his debut as England captain at Trent Bridge, but since then he has led the charge with action and not with words.
his first ODI century at Durham – after which he explained that his comments had been misinterpreted. – put England in the win column and his 312 runs are the most by any captain in an ODI series against Australia.
Ben Duckett also registered 250s and 100s to make a compelling case to present in next year’s Champions Trophy, while Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse burnished their reputations.
When will Jos Butler return?
There has been much scrutiny over Buttler’s captaincy following losses in both World Cups in the last 12 months and a calf injury.
However, he is expected to be fit for England’s trip to the West Indies starting later this month, and is likely to take back command from Brook and resume his role as wicket-keeper batsman.
The New Zealander, who Brendon McCullum called “a bit of a miserable player” last year, is set to consolidate his coaching role in the new year and has made it his mission to put a smile back on Buttler’s face.
Is there room for Ben Stokes and Joe Root?
Stokes, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, admitted at mid-series that a white-ball return is possible under McCollum, while England stressed that Root had not been dropped and was merely rested.
Given his starring role in the 2019 50-over and 2022 T20 World Cup finals, Stokes’ appeal is clear, and the balance he brings to the side as a fast bowling all-rounder makes him a must-have.
England are unlikely to throw Root into the discard pile like other teams. The security he provides at the highest level was missing as England collapsed with the bat in the first and last ODI.
When could they return?
England’s Test tour of Pakistan is scheduled to be completed three days before the first ODI against the Windies. Anyone who took part in the third Test in Rawalpindi will probably miss the ODIs in Antigua and Barbados.
If Root and Stokes have designs on the Champions Trophy for Pakistan, a flight to India for three ODIs in February may be just what they need to get back into the rhythm of 50-over cricket.
What will the England team look like in the Caribbean?
Brook and Duckett, Carse, Potts, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone and Jordan Cox are all scheduled to board flights to Pakistan on Tuesday, leaving little time to digest the ODI series.
With many of those seven players set to miss the game against the Windies, England will be able to bring in more new players. Dan Mousley could receive his first call-up and Sam Curran could feature again.
Read more: Smooth-tongued Harry Brook receives a lesson in leadership
