India could not find a way to dismiss Joe Root throughout the three‑match ODI series, as the English batsman compiled a staggering 249 runs without losing his wicket. That remarkable consistency mirrors a broader belief that England’s 50‑over side is finally on an upward trajectory after a few difficult years, highlighted by a disastrous performance at the 2023 World Cup. Recent results suggest the team is beginning to shed that gloom. Under the stewardship of new captain Harry Brook, England have now secured back‑to‑back series victories.
The most recent triumph came against the world‑number‑one Indians, a win that was sealed with a high‑scoring encounter at Lord’s. This follows a series win in Sri Lanka earlier in the year, meaning England have claimed two consecutive ODI series for the first time in a while. Both series were won 2‑1, and in each case England found themselves trailing 1‑0 after the opening match. The side displayed resilience, fighting back in the decider to claim the series.
The atmosphere around the ODI squad has shifted dramatically from the gloom that prevailed in November, when a 3‑0 drubbing in New Zealand left many questioning whether England would even qualify for the next World Cup. That defeat was part of a run of six losses in seven ODI series and sparked talk of a second successive World Cup disappointment in 2027, or even the possibility of England having to play a qualifying tournament. Those fears have now been allayed.
England sit eighth in the ICC ODI rankings, but with the top nine automatically qualifying for the 2027 tournament – and co‑hosts South Africa already assured of a place – England can avoid the embarrassment of a qualifying round if they maintain their recent form. The team is beginning to resemble a fully‑functioning unit again. While they may not yet be at the peak they enjoyed in 2019, when they were arguably the best limited‑overs side on the planet, they are certainly competitive and capable of challenging the world’s elite.
Key moments from the India series illustrate this resurgence. At Lord’s, opening partners Ben Duckett and the newcomer Jacob Bethell put together a near‑200‑run partnership that proved decisive in the winner‑takes‑all match. Their aggression was tempered by composure, and they capitalised on an Indian attack that was missing its spearhead Jasprit Bumrah due to injury. Duckett smashed 141, surpassing Sir Vivian Richards for the highest individual ODI score at Lord’s, and seemed to have rediscovered the form that earned him a Test century against New Zealand earlier in the season.
Bethell, after a solid 91, also claimed the crucial wicket of Rohit Sharma when head coach Brendon McCullum encouraged Brook to bring the left‑arm spinner into the attack. The partnership between McCullum and Brook – affectionately dubbed "Baz and Haz" by some supporters – appears to be bearing fruit. Their collaboration followed a 4‑0 white‑ball sweep of India in the preceding T20 series, which propelled England to the top of the T20 rankings.
Some observers now wonder whether Brook should focus solely on leading the limited‑overs teams, rather than juggling the Test captaincy as well. Joe Root, frequently mentioned as a potential successor to Ben Stokes as Test captain, was the standout performer for England throughout the ODI series.
His ability to innovate, rotate the strike, and rebuild innings was on full display. He scored an unbeaten 76 at Edgbaston in the first match, a 99‑not‑out in the second, and a composed 74 in the third, which helped England post a record List‑A total of 387‑3 at Lord’s – the highest ever at the venue.
Root’s brilliance, however, highlighted a contrast with his teammates, many of whom fell to rash shots in Birmingham and on a tricky pitch in South Wales. Brook’s own 16‑run knock at Sophia Gardens was frantic and underscored the need for England to learn from Root’s measured approach as they prepare for the World Cup next autumn. The side still appears vulnerable on slower or low‑bounce surfaces, a weakness reminiscent of the Test team’s recent struggles. Selection policy also came under scrutiny.
England opted for a spin‑heavy XI in the opening ODI, perhaps influenced by the success of a similar strategy in Sri Lanka. Only two specialist seamers – Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue – were picked alongside all‑rounder Sam Curran. While spinner Liam Dawson contributed a valuable half‑century and a 100‑run partnership with Root after England slumped to 61‑0, many felt his inclusion came at the expense of an extra paceman, especially given the presence of leg‑spinner Adil Rashid, off‑spinner Will Jacks and left‑arm spinner Bethell. England corrected this balance for the final two games, dropping Dawson and adding another seamer.
Looking ahead to a World Cup that will be played on fast, pace‑friendly pitches in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, a stronger seam attack will be essential. Archer, who believes he is bowling as consistently as ever, and Curran, who has added a new dimension since his recall last summer, are likely to be mainstays.
Curran’s impact was evident at Lord’s, where he took three wickets in six balls at the death, snuffing out India’s chase. His left‑arm angle and clever variations have provided a welcome antidote to the right‑arm seam‑dominant approach England employed during the ill‑fated Champions Trophy campaign in early 2025, McCullum’s first tournament as white‑ball director. Other pacers vying for a place include Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood, the fit‑again Brydon Carse and, when fit, Jamie Overton.
One of them could eventually assume the role of middle‑overs enforcer that Liam Plunkett fulfilled during the triumphant 2019 World Cup. The future of spinner Liam Dawson also raises questions. By the time the 2027 World Cup arrives, he will be 38.
Will England continue to back an experienced all‑rounder, or will they prioritize younger spin‑bowling talents such as Rehan Ahmed and James Coles? England’s ODI progress will be further tested when they host Sri Lanka for a three‑match series in September, followed by tours of Australia in November and South Africa in January. These fixtures, broadcast live on Sky Sports, are now events that English fans can look forward to rather than dread, thanks to the positive momentum generated by Brook, McCullum and Root. In summary, England have turned a corner in ODI cricket.
After a period of disappointment, the combination of resilient leadership, strategic selection and standout individual performances has set the stage for a more competitive future. The upcoming series and the 2027 World Cup will reveal whether this resurgence can be sustained and whether England can reclaim their place among the elite limited‑overs nations.