England's missing ingredient

Jasprit Bumrah - Currently number 1 ODI bowler in the world

England’s record 219 run defeat in the final ODI against Sri Lanka sparked new waves of doubt about England’s world cup credentials, and the dangers that their cavalier style of play poses. It was worrying to see such a heavy defeat, but there’s no need for such hysteria and panic over one defeat.

England were without three key players in Eoin Morgan, Chris Woakes and Jonny Bairstow, and the series was already wrapped up. Similar heavy defeats have occurred before in situations where the series is already over thanks to dominant England performances, and if the series had been tied at 2-2 we would’ve undoubtedly seen a different performance.

England’s power packed batting line-up has been the main reason for 9 consecutive series victories and shouldn’t be a cause for concern despite such a weak performance. The missing piece in England’s ODI setup is its lack of a truly world-class white ball bowler.

Adil Rashid and Liam Plunkett have both been quality performers in ODI cricket in the past 2 years, while Chris Woakes has grown into a high-class opening bowler, but none really bring the same fear factor and quality of the world’s best. England’s main rivals going into the World Cup, India, have the number 1 ranked ODI bowler Jasprit Bumrah operating at an economy of 4.54 and an average below 22, as well as the strong spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav (no. 3 in ODI rankings) and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Others such as Australia have Mitchell Starc, who was player of the tournament in 2015 with 22 wickets, and these bowlers such as Bumrah and Starc bring a different dimension to what England’s attack possesses. None of England’s pace attack has an economy rate below 5 or an average below 25, and this often results in a lack of control when teams get away from them.

As Sri Lanka cantered to 366 on Tuesday, England lacked that x-factor bowler to reign in the scoring rate at the back end of the innings, a period of the game where Bumrah has often won games for India. If England can find that missing ingredient in their bowling attack prior to the World Cup next year, it will put them head and shoulders above the rest and overwhelming favourites in home conditions.

Where such a bowler will come from is naturally a difficult question to answer. Chris Jordan has continually been in and out of the side, but certainly has the ability to execute yorkers at the death if on song, while Olly Stone showed some potential during the Sri Lanka series. Tom Curran has also showed signs of promise, particularly during a 5-wicket haul against Australia following the Ashes but looks to be far from the finished article. Jofra Archer’s qualification seemingly can’t come soon enough!

England’s batting line-up is capable of chasing almost any score, but that does not mean they will if the bowlers consistently concede huge totals. This was never more evident than in June when they conceded 371 against minnows Scotland, falling 6 runs short in their run chase. Scoreboard pressure can still impact any team, and if England are continually chasing 300 plus scores during the World Cup they are unlikely to be winning the competition, and someone must step up to the plate to lead their bowling attack.

Recent form would suggest Woakes is the man to take up the role, and if he can stay injury free and carry his form into next summer it will be a huge boost to England’s chances. England have shown they are almost the complete package in the past 18 months, rising to number 1 in the ODI rankings, but the bowling still shows signs of frailty.

If England can get their bowling attack firing and someone such as Woakes can lead from the front as Starc or Bumrah would, it will relieve pressure on the batsman and allow this team to reach even further heights. With home conditions in their favour and swing more likely to play a part, England can be confident of finding the right combination and can put themselves in a position where the World Cup is theirs to lose.