According to BBC, the team’s current composition has sparked discussions, with fast bowler Sonny Baker being a focal point. Baker, who had a difficult and expensive debut in Leeds, was subsequently dropped for the second ODI. Critics have pointed out the inconsistency in team selections, emphasizing that Baker should have been given another chance, especially with the challenging conditions at Lords offering a testing ground for his abilities.

The broader issue for England lies in their struggle to adapt to 50-over cricket, a format that has taken a backseat to the more popular T20 games. The team’s performance in the Champions Trophy in February highlighted this gap, where they demonstrated a lack of understanding in pacing and restructuring innings, a crucial skill in the longer format. The recent series against South Africa has further underscored these challenges, indicating that England’s 50-over game is still struggling to find its footing.

These one-day series are critical, as they are directly linked to World Cup qualification. England currently sits eighth in the International Cricket Council’s one-day standings, a precarious position that may force them into a qualifying round against teams like the Netherlands, Scotland, and the USA. With upcoming tours in New Zealand and the Ashes looming, England’s focus and strategy will be tested as they aim to secure their spot in the World Cup without having to face the ignominy of qualifiers.