England wrap up ODI series against India with a record win at Lords.
India’s tour of England has come to a close, suffering ODI and T20 series defeats.
Sunday evening saw an impressive second victory for Harry Brook’s ODI team, as England chalked up an untouchable score of 387 runs within 50 overs. Notable performances came from Ben Duckett, scoring 141 with the bat, and Sam Curran taking four wickets with the ball.
The win sewed up a 2-1 ODI series victory, which shortly followed their 4-0 whitewash against India – the number one ranked team globally.
This summer has begun in rather turbulent fashion for England Cricket. A first Test win against New Zealand was shadowed by Captain Ben Stokes and Bowler Gus Atkinson breaking curfew on the eve of their victory. They were both sanctioned.
Stokes missed the second Test at the Oval and returned for the series decider at Trent Bridge, where he announced his immediate retirement on day four. England lost the series 2-1.
Soon after, Head Coach Brendon McCullum announced his departure from the Test side. He saw Stokes as the spearhead of the ‘Bazball’, a style of cricket that focused on high-tempo, aggressive play.
England fans will be reassured to see what results the squad can deliver in the shorter formats of the game. That said, work needs to be done to restore the team to the forefront of global Test cricket.
Stokes publicly named Harry Brook as the most suitable successor, but nothing is confirmed. The announcement is expected to come before the start of Pakistan’s tour of England, beginning on the 19th August.