England’s ODI revolution braces for the India test

MUMBAI: From the ignominy of a first-round exit in the 2015 World Cup to emerging as arguably the most formidable team for next year’s edition, no other team has undergone a transformation as drastic as England have, something that will face a huge test against a formidable India.

No doubt England resembled a team of a past era in the last World Cup, which they exited after a humiliating defeat to Bangladesh in the first stage. Since then, sweeping changes in their approach — at times compromising on Test cricket — and focus to be the best in 50-over cricket have landed England on the top of the ICC rankings.

The 4-1 hammering of holders Australia in their backyard followed by England’s first-ever 5-0 whitewash of their arch-rivals showed England’s record-breaking side is ruthless, and ready for its biggest test next year.

England’s resurgence didn’t happen overnight. Some brave selection calls ensured they have the right horses for the race, not necessarily due to what the reputation from other formats promised. Also, the appointment of Australian Trevor Bayliss as coach proved a masterstroke.

Bayliss encouraging players to go with natural aggression and a clear mind has yielded rich dividends. The acknowledgement of IPL’S importance, making players available for a full run in the world’s best T20 league, has helped England find some gems like Jos Buttler.

In Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Jonny Bairstow, they have found men who can do a similar job no matter what the combination is at the top. While Roy, Buttler, Bairstow and others have dominated, the classical Joe Root has amassed close to 2,800 runs in 59 games since the last World Cup — only behind Virat Kohli (3,051 runs in 50 matches). Chris Woakes, the world No 1 ranked bowler), has the pace and variation to trouble any batsman.