5 reasons why England could become the next ODI powerhouse
Rising from the ashes like a phoenix is a metaphor that sounds good on paper but takes some really tough measures to emulate in sport. It is easy to get into a rut and keep losing. It is easy to press panic mode and make the wrong changes and worsen things.England was in freefall by the end of the 2015 World Cup, losing all four games they played against test playing nations, including a crucial one against Bangladesh. It was easy to drop Eoin Morgan, who had a horrendous run until then and go back to square one.Interestingly, England went the other way, holding out a longer rope for Morgan and then creating a team mirroring his style of play – aggressive, high-risk high-dividend game – bringing in fresh blood and following a go-for-broke mantra.The policy immediately worked, as England won the ODI series at home against World Cup runners-up New Zealand in spectacular fashion. Things have been lovely for England since then and we take a look at their journey and why they could realistically aim for silverware, in a year or so.
#1 Good results against ODI powerhouses
England haven’t disappointed since the formation of the new look team at the closure of the World Cup. They have won 8 games and lost 6 in three ODI series against quality ODI teams like New Zealand, Australia and Pakistan, the former two being the World Cup finalists.
The last series win against Pakistan came in the UAE, Pakistan’s stronghold and virtual home in the last few years. England have achieved all this with a largely young side that is still evolving and settling down and that augurs well, once the management finds the right core to revolve around the skipper Eoin Morgan.
Morgan himself showed refreshing and resplendent form against all three teams, always featuring amongst the runs. England has shown a fearless style of cricket, a paradigm shift from their conservative approach that has held them back in short formats for a very long time. Now with the right bowlers and the right power-hitters, England can take on the best in their own den.