England have made rapid progress in limited-overs cricket since the last World Cup but this summer will show us how they react under greater pressure.
A year ago, England played one of their most exciting one-day series of modern times, defeating New Zealand 3-2 in a five-match contest. Yet that was effectively a free hit.
England had been so poor in the 2015 World Cup — which they exited at the group stages — that even small improvement would have brought praise. This time it is different.
In less than 12 months, Eoin Morgan’s team will start their Champions Trophy campaign, against Bangladesh at The Kia Oval. In 2019, they tackle the World Cup, also on home soil. These are two excellent opportunities for England to win their first global 50-over trophy.
Morgan’s team began the NatWest Series against Sri Lanka today with a simple mission: to prove they will be strong contenders both next year and in 2019.
In the gallery bove, Standard Sport examines some of the key issues facing the team.
