The ODI series was a major dampener for Alastair Cook and his men after the great high of the victory in the Investec Test series. England’s inadequacies in limited overs cricket were brutally exposed, and if England were dreaming of doing well in the World Cup to be held in Australia in just a few months time, well, that now seems to be an impossible task. Here are the England player ratings.
Alastair Cook: 4/10
It’s not an easy task to rate Cook. He didn’t really do that poorly as a batsman, getting starts, only to lose his wicket in the 30s or 40s, but it is clear that England cannot really hope to win anything in one day international cricket with Cook as their opening batsman. He is simply too slow and struggles to get the scoreboard moving. England need a new opener.
Alex Hales: 4/10
A lot was said about Hales, but he has failed to justify all the hype around him. Never got going, struggled to make a big score. He looks a decent batsman though, in spite of his failure in this series, and England should definitely have him as an opener for the World Cup in Australia.
Ian Bell: 1/10
It was a poor show from Bell, who could only get 29 runs from 2 innings, before bowing out due to injury. Must do better. And the question remains – can Bell and Cook be a part of the same England ODI team?
Eoin Morgan: 2/10
This was Morgan’s poorest ODI series for England. Otherwise a reliable ODI batsman, and perhaps the best England have got, Morgan was a huge disappointment. Perhaps his failure was one of the biggest reasons for England’s loss. Only got a highest score of 32.
Joe Root: 7/10
The only England player to make a hundred, Root came good only in the last match. Otherwise the 23-year old didn’t do much. But there is no question that he is England’s most promising young player, and possibly future captain.
Moeen Ali: 7/10
Moeen got to play only 2 matches in the ODI series, which represents a serious case of bad selection by the English team management. He impressed with the bat in one match and with the ball in the other. Surely, he has to be a permanent part of any English side.
Jos Buttler: 5/10
It was a largely disappointing series for England’s brightest limited overs prospect. Buttler only did well in the last match, sharing a great century partnership with Joe Root. But he does show great promise.
Ben Stokes: 3/10
It was another below average performance by Ben Stokes, and should be concerned at this dangerous dip in form. His bowling was okay, but batting needs serious improvement.
Gary Ballance: 1/ 10
1 match, 7 runs. Nothing much to speak about for Ballance.
Chris Jordan: 1/10
His bowling was so poor at Cardiff that he was perhaps one of the main reasons for India to get back into form in the England tour. Really needs to work hard on his bowling and get some confidence back.
Harry Gurney: 3/10
Didn’t impress much in the limited opportunities that he got.
James Anderson: 3/10
England’s best bowler looked rather exhausted after his tremendous effort in the Test series. Should have been rested for the ODIs.
James Tredwell: 5/10
Did okay, but struggled against the Indian batsmen who play spin so well.
Steven Finn: 7/10
Did brilliantly in the last match, finally showing glimpses of his raw talent and pace, which has remained hidden for a long time. It is critical for England to see him back at his best.
Chris Woakes: 4/10
Didn’t really look effective. He is certainly a better player than what his performance in the ODIs suggests.
