The English international summer comes to an end after 92 days, since the first Test against New Zealand. Overall, it has been a relatively tame season, with a few standout performances on the field and arguably more noise away from it, from changes within the coaching staff to the occasional row in a nightclub. Nonetheless, England leave the summer having won all three of their white-ball series, putting them in good stead ahead of a busy winter and, ultimately, the World Cup in South Africa next year.
The final ODI series of the summer against Sri Lanka offered perhaps the best test of England’s squad depth. With Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid both sidelined at different points, opportunities opened up for the likes of Jordan Cox and Rehan Ahmed, while others were given the chance to take on greater responsibility.
Tom Banton takes his chance
Nobody took that opportunity more convincingly than Tom Banton. It proved to be a defining series for the Somerset batter, who used the three matches to strengthen his case at the top of England’s order. It is a role Banton knows well from the domestic game, but transferring that form onto the international stage has not always been straightforward for him in the past. This time, however, he made his opportunity count. Banton finished the series with 209 runs at an average of 69. More importantly, his performances gave England another genuine option at the top of the order heading into a winter packed with ODI cricket.
Will Jacks shows his value
The series began at Chester-le-Street, where England posted 265 before dismissing Sri Lanka for 176. Will Jacks dominated proceedings with both bat and ball, finishing unbeaten on 46 before producing figures of 5-22 from seven overs. It was the type of all-round performance that could prove significant beyond one September afternoon. The Surrey-born all-rounder has remained consistent throughout this series and the summer, which earned him the player of the series award against Sri Lanka. With England continuing to search for the right balance ahead of the World Cup, Jacks’ ability to contribute in both departments gives the side greater flexibility and another option when it comes to constructing their strongest XI.
Sri Lanka hit back
Headingley then hosted a thriller in the second ODI. Kusal Mendis came to the party with a captain’s knock of 121 from just 100 deliveries, putting Sri Lanka in a position to level the series.
England made a positive start to the chase through Banton and Ben Duckett before Buttler and Jacks continued to keep the hosts in contention. But a hamstring injury to Buttler late in the innings stalled England’s momentum. Paired with an impressive display of death bowling from Sri Lanka, England eventually fell 16 runs short, leaving the series level at 1-1 heading to the Oval.
Banton seals the series convincingly
The Oval proved to be an onslaught for Sri Lanka, as they were dominated in all aspects of the game. England’s first innings got them to 355 with a maiden international hundred from Banton, which totally ruined the touring party’s chances of any silverware for their tour. Cox once again proved to take all opportunities with both hands like the rest of his summer; he ended up with 76 and also two catches and a vital stumping. The bowlers finished proceedings off with Sri Lanka being bowled out for an eyesore 132.
It was a fitting end to a series for England and Banton, who made the most of his opportunity. Rather than simply filling a position at the top of the order, his performances strengthened his argument to remain there as England began to look more seriously at the make-up of their World Cup side.
‘It’s been a tale of emotion,’ reflected Banton. ‘I guess the other day kind of having the chance to do it, and then I guess getting out at kind of an important part of the game, but yeah to come here and just be really committed to what I’ve been doing the last few months, and then finally getting over the line was a feeling I couldn’t really kind of explain to anyone.’
England expand their options
For England, the series offered more than another schedule filler at the end of the summer. Banton’s emergence provided another option at the top, while Jacks demonstrated the value he can bring as an all-rounder. The absence of established names such as Buttler and Rashid also allowed England to look further into their squad and assess some of the players who may be required when injuries, form or conditions force changes.
There are still questions to answer. England have time to establish their strongest combinations, decide how much flexibility they want within the batting order and work out which players provide the best balance in South African conditions. But after three white-ball series victories this summer, they at least head into the winter with options.
Building towards the World Cup
And there will be plenty of opportunities to test them. England now head to Pakistan for a tri-series involving the hosts and Sri Lanka before travelling down under to face defending world champions Australia in a three-match ODI series. South Africa then await another three ODIs before England return to Pakistan for five more, their final ODI preparations before the World Cup begins.
It is a demanding schedule, but one that should leave England with few doubts over what their strongest side looks like by the time they arrive in South Africa. ‘We’ll try and continue to develop that plan and test guys out throughout,’ said head coach Brendon McCullum. ‘But overall, I do think it’s no bad thing that it sits the way it is now.’
After 92 days of international cricket, England’s summer may not be remembered as one packed with defining moments. But its importance could become clearer further down the line. New options have emerged, established players have been challenged, and England have continued to win white-ball series, putting them in good stead for the winter ahead.
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