The UK’s long winter program comes to an end in 2019 with a limited edition series. Bangladeshstarting on Wednesday Minute with the first of three ODIs.
Bangladesh conditions are similar. Indiawhat where England Jos Buttler’s team, which will defend the World Cup title in the fall, could use this trip as a sort of scouting mission.
Here, the PA news agency looks at the key talking points on the eve of the ODI series that the three T20Is will follow.
too much cricket
Minds and limbs have been stretched in recent months, though the UK has sunk into the talent pool in two separate trips to Pakistan this winter, a massive seven-week trip in Australia, and six overseas ventures as well as tours to South Africa, New Zealand. and now Bangladesh. Even die-hard England fans would be forgiven for ignoring the start of this series, which comes just 24 hours after the Test side crashed alone in an extraordinary crescendo in Wellington.
saturation point
With cricket boards coming under the pressure of the proliferation of T20 franchise leagues, it would be wise to note the obvious indifference of broadcasters to this round, with duos. Sky announced an agreement to show three ODIs and three T20s, but it was reported that there was a discrepancy between the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the broadcaster regarding the valuation of the matches, causing the England and Wales Cricket Board to fill the gap. As a result – similar to the UK’s ODI series in the Netherlands last year – the series will be free to watch on the ECB website for those without a Sky subscription.
World Cup arrangement
While the timing of this series is confusing given its proximity to the Test side’s exploits, these three matches are England’s last game in the ODIs until September, when the World Cup will be weeks later. This will also be their last opportunity to play competitive cricket on spin-friendly pitches and conditions similar to India. England captain Buttler appears to be aware of the importance of fixtures, as he said earlier this week: “This is exactly the kind of challenge we need.”
England punches
While England may lack Test stars Joe Root and Harry Brook, few may have prioritized playing in the ongoing Pakistan Super League before heading to Bangladesh – with the approval of the ECB. But 11 of England’s 15-man squad have played in a World Cup-winning campaign, and Mark Wood and Jofra Archer are among the enviable fast bowlers who can light up slow and low floors. Adil Rashid will lead the spin department along with Moeen Ali and freshmen Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed.
No more looking at Bangladesh
Gone are the days when Bangladesh was the minors of international cricket and they are experts in their own backyard, having won 12 of the last 13 ODI series at home. Pakistan, India (twice) and South Africa are among the teams that have lost in Bangladesh since the 2015 World Cup, but their only flaws this period are against England. On this occasion, Buttler replaced Eoin Morgan, who missed the tour due to safety concerns and managed a 2-1 series victory.