Is this England ODI side the best we’ve ever seen?
White-ball cricket in England is certainly at it’s peak, but how do the class of 2018 compare to one-day greats of the past?
It’s certain to say that the current mood in the red-ball camp is rather dampened. After a 4–0 thrashing in Australia and only managing to scrape a draw on home soil against Pakistan.
But the white-ball side is of different morale. After winning in Australia by battering one of the best sides in the world, followed by a poor t20 tri-series in New Zealand, and then returning home to beat a depleted Australia 5–0 in a dominating series, they must be on cloud nine.
Even though they were without key all-rounders Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes, they were not missed as Roy, Buttler, Bairstow and Rashid starred in their places.
Although they are already world number one, how do they compare to five equally incredible ODI sides of the distant and recent past? Are they better, worse, or have the potential to exceed them? And what would be the two main battles between bat and ball if the two sides were to hypothetically meet in their primes?
1: AUSTRALIA (1999–2007)
A side that dominated the world cups in the opening years of the millennium, Allan Border’s restructuring of the national side clearly left a legacy which was continued by the revolutionary Ricky Ponting amongst others. Key players included Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist and Michael Hussey.
Key Battle : BAIRSTOW/ROY vs McGRATH
Bairstow and Roy have rapidly established themselves as the premier opening partnership in ODI cricket, but this would be put to a stern test if facing one of the greatest seam bowlers of all time in the tricky Glenn McGrath. McGrath, who has taken more wickets than any other seam bowler in test matches with 563, and a vast 381 in ODIs. I doubt they would be able to get off to such fiery starts as they have done against the likes of Richardson and Stanlake if they were facing McGrath.
2: WEST INDIES (1975–1979)
The main association with the West Indies sides of the 80s was the destructive seam bowling of Holding, Garner, Marshall and Croft. The 70s did precede this side well though, winning the two prudential World Cups in 1975 and 1979. Boasting talents such as Clive Lloyd, Alvin Kalicharran, Sir Viv Richards and Gordon Greenidge, this side would certainly battle in the modern day with the great sides such as India and England.
Key Battle: RICHARDS vs RASHID/ALI
Sir Viv was certainly the most destructive batsman of his era, bringing swagger and class to a side that was beginning to dominate world cricket. Although batting at 6 in the 1975 rendition and scoring just five, he bagged 138 in the final of the 1979 variant. His class and guile would be tested against spinners Ali and Rashid who dovetail marvellously in the current climate. Rashid, who is more of the flair bowler, is becoming more and more integral in England’s current side, whilst Ali provides more control with the ball and also bats with fluidity.
3: SRI LANKA (2007–2014)
Although never lifting a 50 over trophy, this flamboyant Sri Lankan side did lift their only limited overs title by winning the ICC Twenty20 trophy in 2014. But they did reach the final in two fifty over variants in 2007 and 2011, losing out to Australia and India. They had excelling batsmen such as Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Tillakaratne Dilshan, alongside the bowling variety of Muralitharan and Malinga, a quintet capable of taking on any in the history of cricket.
Key Battle: JAYAWARDENE vs RASHID/WOOD
Depending on which conditions the hypothetical match would be played, Jayawardene’s form against either of the prominent styles would be the main battle of the encounter. Although the Sri Lankan was one of the most elegant of his generation, his average outside of home conditions was less than 35, in comparison with his home average of over 60. Rashid would be key if playing in Asian conditions, while if playing in New Zealand, Australia or England the pace of Wood would be more challenging.
4: INDIA (2011–Present)
With this match not being hypothetical, as the two sides will meet each other this summer, the Indian one-day side has been extremely strong, especially since the formation of the IPL in 2008. With the vast wealth of talent being farmed through the tournament, India could probably field three sides which would compete at a high level in international cricket. With the fan-favourites and superstars Kohli and Dhoni forefronting a side glittering with flair, they will provide a tough test for England this summer. The world champions of 2011 had possibly the best top six batting line-up in history. Sehwag, Tendulkar, Gambhir, Kohli, Dhoni and Yuvraj provided solidity, destruction and seemingly endless runs.
Key Battle: MORGAN vs DHONI
With the two sides being endlessly stacked with quality, I think this summer’s series, and a hypothetical match against the 2011 side, will be settled by the tactics and wisdom of the two captains. For me, Eoin Morgan is the best thing to ever happen to limited overs cricket in England, being the calm and evergreen figurehead in Bayliss’ revolution. An aggressor with the bat but always chilled in the field, the Irishman typifies the philosophy he is promoting. Dhoni may have been the model he followed. The ‘keeper, although contending with superstardom and adulation from all angles, manages to remain humble and calm in defeat or victory. This will certainly be intriguing.
5: NEW ZEALAND (2014–16)
The side which provided the inspiration for England’s aggressive style with the bat and endless energy in the field, the modern New Zealand side have been poignant in the record-breaking performances from all international sides in recent years. With the ultimate aggressor, Brendon McCullum, alongside other fiery hitters Elliot, Taylor and Guptill, they provided the benchmark before the 2015 World Cup, where they were sadly defeated by Australia in the final. The 3–2 series defeat in England that followed went down as the beginning of a new era for England as they began to rebuild from the 5–0 Ashes defeat in 2014/15 and their early World Cup exit.
Key Battle: McCULLUM/GUPTILL vs WILLEY/WOOD
It would be imperative for the two sides to get off to a good start, and that’s why the very first battle in the Kiwis innings would be the most prominent. If McCullum and Guptill were still in after 12–15 overs, the score would most likely be over 100 and the boundary count would be rapidly on the rise. But if Willey or Wood, the opening partnership currently in use for England, managed to dismiss either or both of them, New Zealand wouldn’t have flourished as well, even though they have one of the world’s best, Kane Williamson, to come.
In the final part of this piece, I have decided to rank the six sides. Disagree what you will, and make sure you let me know your ranking. Thanks for reading!
1: AUSTRALIA (1999–2007)
2: ENGLAND (Present Day)
3: INDIA (2011-Present)
4: WEST INDIES (1975–79)
5: SRI LANKA (2007–14)
6: NEW ZEALAND (2014–16)
