England’s Cricket World Cup preparations so far this winter have been far from ideal, with a heavy 5-2 series defeat to Sri Lanka the latest low in the build-up to the tournament. With key bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson both having missed the series due to injury, there was an opportunity for fringe players such as Harry Gurney and Chris Jordan to secure a spot on the plane to Australia, whilst senior batsmen Alastair Cook and Eoin Morgan both needed a run of scores to ease the media pressure on them. James Taylor and Ravi Bopara were both included in the squad having missed the ODIs against India at the back-end of last summer, and wanted to make an impact.
As we now know, not everything went to plan for England, but how did the players rate?
Alastair Cook, Captain – 3/10
A miserable run of form for Cook in ODI cricket continued, and the opening batsman has now passed fifty just once in 2014. A dire 119 runs in six innings was worrying, but his strike-rate of 67.23 was simply dreadful. Almost every other ODI team in the world has realised that scoring quickly at the top of the order is of the utmost importance in one-day cricket, but England still bafflingly persevere with Cook. Change is needed.
Moeen Ali – 8/10
One of the few players to enhance his reputation on the tour, Moeen was promoted to the top of the order to partner Cook, and batted with supreme confidence. England’s second-highest run scorer in the series with 236, the Worcestershire all-rounder also chipped in with five wickets, with a good economy rate of 5.14. He looks an automatic pick for the World Cup, where the option of his off-spin will be useful.
Ian Bell – 4/10
Bell only played in the first two games of the series, and managed forty-six runs from forty-seven balls. However, he did not do enough to cement his place at number three, and looked ill-at-ease; he may be a surprise exclusion from the World Cup squad if the selectors decide to gamble on Gary Ballance or Jason Roy.
Ravi Bopara – 7/10
Having been dropped from the ODI series against India in August/September, Bopara reminded the selectors of his talents by batting sensibly and productively, making 185 runs, including two fifties. However, he was left out of the side in the final game of the tour, and his bowling was sparingly used by Cook. The Essex man still should make the squad for the World Cup.
Jos Buttler – 6/10
Buttler’s poor form in the series slid under the radar, largely because there is no viable alternative to him as England’s wicket-keeper. Aside from his unbeaten 55 at Hambantota, he found runs hard to come by, and will be looking for an improvement in the Tri-Series with Australia and New Zealand.
Steven Finn – 5/10
The Middlesex man played in five games, but was not the strike bowling option he is meant to be. He will not be too disheartened though, as his game is much better suited to bouncy Australian pitches than those found in the subcontinent.
Harry Gurney – 2/10
One wicket in over twenty-four overs is simply not good enough at international level, and the left-arm seamer also conceded runs at an alarming rate. His economy rate of 6.49 was dreadful, and he looked lanky and useless in the field, finishing as one of two players in the squad not to take a catch. He is likely to make way for Anderson.
Alex Hales – 4/10
The man tipped by many to succeed Cook as England’s ODI opener, Hales struggled for any form at number three, and was out in a brainless manner on a couple of occasions, not least in the final game of the series, when he holed out to long-on. He needs to find some form before the World Cup.
Chris Jordan – 7/10
He failed miserably with the bat, but Chris Jordan’s bowling was excellent throughout the series, as he finished with ten wickets, the second-most out of any England player. His ever-improving economy rate of 5.65 also helped, and he should squeeze on to the World Cup plane.
Eoin Morgan – 3/10
Despite the constant haranguing from fans Cook gets on social media, his vice-captain, Eoin Morgan, does not seem to be providing a viable alternative. Twenty-eight runs in six innings when not captain was a disastrous return, but when he stepped up as skipper, his 62 was very handy indeed, suggesting he can step up into the role. His form for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash will be scrutinised closely.
Joe Root – 9/10
Undoubtedly England’s man of the series, Joe Root managed an impressive 367 runs in the series, including one hundred and two fifties. His ability to adapt to a situation was exemplary, and he will be a key player in England’s World Cup campaign. The Yorkshire man also bowled 21 overs at an economy rate of only 5.23.
367 – Joe Root has scored 367 runs in this #SLvENG series, the fourth most by an @ECB_cricket player in a bilateral ODI series. Rooted.
— OptaJim (@OptaJim) December 16, 2014
Ben Stokes – 1/10
This was a disastrous series for Stokes, who had to play the unfamiliar role of bowling all-rounder. He conceded 85 runs in eight overs, and managed just 22 runs in his two innings. He looks likely to be dropped for the World Cup, despite a good run of form for Durham last summer.
James Taylor – 7/10
Taylor impressed in his first ODI series against a full ICC member. His 90 in his first game, at number three, was measured and showed maturity beyond his years, and he also showed off his power by hitting twelve 4s and three 6s across the series. He may still not make the eleven to play in the opening World Cup match, but he will certainly be in the squad.
James Tredwell – 6/10
England’s ‘Mr. Reliable’ did not take as many wickets as usual in the series, but gave the bowling attack some control, conceding just 4.76 runs per over. He will be a very handy player in the World Cup side.
Chris Woakes – 8/10
The Warwickshire all-rounder led England’s attack in a brilliant fashion, with fourteen wickets in the series. His economy rate was more than a run-a-ball, which could cause concern, but his 6-47 at Pallekele was simply superb, and he will probably manage to hold down his spot in the side even when Broad and Anderson return.
@crwoakes19 figures of 6-47 was the first time an English bowler has taken an ODI five-for in Sri Lanka. #stattrickpic.twitter.com/FuwkmKXxMH
— ICC (@ICC) December 12, 2014
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