England’s progress along the road to the World Cup remains smooth, after the Three Lions completed a 2-1 ODI series win over Bangladesh.
It has become something of a rare occurrence for a side to triumph in the Tigers’ backyard. Indeed, no other nation has done so since England’s last visit in 2016/17, while the likes of India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies have all tasted defeats in their most recent visits.
And as time runs out before Jos Buttler’s side begin the defence of their one-day World Cup, a host of England stars have come to the fore in a winning cause.
England’s road to their title defence visits Trent Bridge mere weeks before the start of the World Cup, with tickets for the Three Lions’ clash with Ireland on sale now…
Malan’s mastery
Dawid Malan’s rise to prominence in England’s white-ball colours began in earnest just after the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup, but the southpaw has done his chances of playing a part in the defence no harm in the subcontinent.
Malan, a T20 World Cup-winner last autumn, has now hit centuries in each of the last ODI series he’s played in. And his latest three-figure score for his country may well have been his most impressive.
With Bangladesh keeping England’s chase on a tight leash, and with no other top-order batter making more than 12 runs, Malan’s cool head was key as he compiled an expertly-paced 114 from 145 deliveries.
From positions of peril at 65/4 and 161/7, England ultimately prevailed by three wickets and with eight balls to spare.
Roy’s Return
After a chequered run of form in recent months, England’s stalwart explosive opener has hit his straps in some style.
Roy's second ton in the space of five innings showcased his skills at their fluent best.
Proactive and powerful in tricky conditions, Roy clouted 18 fours and one six on the way to 132 from 124 balls.
And with five fours coming in the space of 12 balls shortly after he passed three figures, the long-levered right-hander showed the aggression to push the contest firmly out of Bangladesh’s reach, helping England to an unassailable total of 326/7.
Curran’s cunning
While Roy may have been named Player of the Match for his scene-stealing ton in Mirpur, Sam Curran’s new-ball wiliness was almost equally crucial in securing a series win in the second ODI.
Curran’s left-arm angle proved too hot for Litton Das to handle, the opener miscuing his first ball to backward point.
One ball later, Curran produced the proverbial peach to lure Najmul Hossain Shanto into feathering behind, before claiming two further scalps to record figures of 4/29.
And the 24-year-old proved his worth even in a losing cause in the final ODI, foxing both Das and Tamim Iqbal inside the opening three overs.
Rehan’s rise
Eighteen years, two hundred and five days old – a tender age to be making your way in any career, let alone the high-pressure elite environment of international cricket.
But at precisely that age, Rehan Ahmed has become an England cricketer in the white-ball arena – eclipsing Ben Hollioake’s previous record as they youngest performer for the Three Lions in the limited-overs formats.
Ahmed’s debut yielded success with his final delivery, taking a sharp return catch to account for Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
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England at Trent Bridge
This year, the Three Lions' T20 and One-Day World Champions return to a venue where they make history as standard.
Secure your seats for clashes against New Zealand and Ireland here...