Steven Mullaney has backed England to continue their winning form in South Africa and believes the Nottinghamshire trio of Alex Hales, James Taylor and Stuart Broad will be at the centre of the tourists’ push.
All three were involved in the recent 2-1 Test series success, with Broad catapulting himself to number one in the in the Test bowling rankings whilst Hales and Taylor enjoyed their first taste of victory in the five-day arena.
With Taylor warming up for the ODI leg of the tour with a run-a-ball 116, Mullaney says there is plenty more to come from the Outlaws captain across the series.
“Titch has started the ODI part of the tour well and that is what he has done time and time again at Nottinghamshire,” said Mullaney.
“Watching how he goes about things when he is with us, it can sometimes be ridiculous watching how he plays.
“I think he averages something like 74 for us in 50 over cricket, which is remarkable.
“Baz (Alex Hales_ is also a top quality player who will be one of the first to admit that his numbers weren’t as good as he would have wanted in the Test series.
“However, I have watched him numerous times where people may think he is out of form and then he comes out and plays the best possible innings in the situation.
“Broady is obviously returning to the ODI squad and he will be looking to push his case forward for a longer run in the side.”
England have embarked on a remarkable run of one-day form following the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015, beating New Zealand and Pakistan whilst narrowly losing to Australia.
As a number of the squad are in the early stages of their England career, Mullaney believes now is an exciting time for the national side.
“They are only going one way at the moment with the young group of cricketers they have likely to stay together for a long time,” he said.
“The way that Stokesy played in that innings and how Jonny Bairstow backed him up, I think they are getting the right balance in the side.
“From a personal point of view for Alex and Titch I hope they stick with them for a prolonged period because they will reap the rewards.
“Obviously from a Notts point of view we will miss them, but it is great to see your mates doing well and as a Club we want as many people playing for England as possible.”
England are returning to the scene of their Ashes triumph in 2016 for Royal London One-Day Internationals against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Don't miss the opportunity to watch some of the best players in the world go toe-to-toe in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge and secure your seats now.