There were numerous significant contributions during England’s run to the tri-series final but they still have one or two issues with the World Cup looming
George Dobell in Perth02-Feb-2015The goodIn playing a settled XI in almost every game of the tri-series (Chris Jordan played ahead of James Anderson in one match), England showed they had finally decided what their best side is and gave them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their roles. Bowlers understand when they will come on and what is required of them; fielders know where they are to be. After a few months when England have looked chaotic at times, it was a significant step forward.Anderson, returning from a knee injury, bowled consistently excellently and, in conceding an average of only 3.62 runs per over was the most economical regular bowler (12 overs or more) in the tournament. He swung the new ball and was the one England bowler to nail his yorkers in the latter stages.The fielding continued to improve. Ian Bell, effectively replacing Alastair Cook at slip, took a couple of outstanding catches and it was noticeable that the fielders hit the stumps with throws more often than in the past.Despite the pitches offering him little, Moeen Ali delivered his offspin effectively and, in conceding only 4.16 runs per over was the most economical slow bowler (who delivered more than 13 overs) in the tournament. It meant England were not obliged to play James Tredwell and, in theory, should have strengthened the batting.James Anderson’s return to form after injury was among the positives for England•Getty ImagesSteven Finn made an impressive return to the side. While he still has not regained the pace he had prior to the changes he made to his run-up and approach to the crease, he bowled well enough to take 11 wickets in the five matches including career-best figures of 5 for 33 against India. With a wicket every 25 balls, he had the fifth-best strike rate of any bowler in the tournament.After leaking wides for several months – they conceded 71 in seven ODIs in Sri Lanka – England tightened their game to the point where they did not concede more than three in any of these matches. In a format where small margins can make huge differences, it is a significant improvement.England recorded more century partnerships (four) than either of the other sides (Australia managed two and India just one). While none of the batsmen scored runs consistently, Bell, Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan and James Taylor all enjoyed important innings and will have gained confidence ahead of the World Cup.Stuart Broad took a few games to recover full match fitness. But, by the final in Perth, he was starting to return to something near his best. With the World Cup the focus of this trip, that bodes well.The not so goodMorgan’s 121 against Australia in Sydney was top class but his other three innings contributed just two more runs in total. He has passed 5 only once in his last seven ODI innings and the last three deliveries he has faced against Australia have dismissed him.Moeen was of only two men – Ravi Bopara was the other – not to register a half-century in the tournament. Although he looked in reasonable touch a few times, he was unable to go on and register a significant score.Ravi Bopara struggled for runs and was not asked to contribute with the ball•Getty ImagesChris Woakes was consistently the fastest member of the England attack, exceeding 90mph in Perth, and at times looked to be the solution to some of the side’s bowling issues. But, batting at No. 8, he managed only 12 runs in four innings – by comparison, James Faulkner bats at No. 8 for Australia – and in the final, when he conceded 89 runs from his 10 overs, he showed that his death bowling remains a work in progress.A broken finger ruled Gary Ballance out of contention for the tri-series tournament. While he is expected to have recovered ahead of the World Cup and will probably feature in the two warm-up games in Sydney next week, he will have had limited opportunities to find form.The downside of England’s consistent selection is that those members of the squad who were not included in the tri-series XI – Tredwell, Jordan, Ballance and Alex Hales – will go into the World Cup short of cricket.And the uglyBopara endured a poor tournament. He was entrusted with only three overs as a bowler and averaged just 14.25 with the bat. While his inclusion as the allrounder who offers security with the ball and options with the bat makes sense on paper, his performances will have to improve significantly in the World Cup to justify his continued selection.England played some encouraging cricket in defeating India, the world champions, twice. But the fact is they lost to Australia three times out of three and have now lost eight of the last nine ODIs between the sides. Bearing in mind that Australia are the opponents in the opening game of the World Cup and it does not bode well.Dismissed for 166 in the final and 234 in Sydney, England have now been bowled out within their 50 overs in 11 of their last 17 ODIs. It is not World Cup winning form.The search for a reliable death bowler continues. England conceded 46 form the final three overs in Perth with the absence of yorkers again obvious. The England camp insist that the seamers can deliver as required in the nets, but that they lack the confidence to do so in match situations. They will have to improve if England are to progress to the latter stages of the World Cup.
