White-ball skipper Harry Brook wants England to keep playing “high-octane cricket” against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
The first ODI starts a three-match series.
Brook was named player of the series after England beat Sri Lanka 3-0 in the T20 internationals. Now, attention turns to the 50-over format.
England v Sri Lanka, ODI fixtures and start times
First ODI (Tuesday September 22) – Durham (12.30pm)
Second ODI (Thursday September 24) – Headingley (12.30pm)
Third ODI (Sunday September 27) – The Kia Oval (10.30am)
The 50-over World Cup will take place in 2027. Therefore, England have already started building towards the tournament.
White-ball coach Brendon McCullum has also added Kevin Pietersen to his coaching team. Pietersen will work as a specialist mentor.
KP enjoying himself
Brook admits the entire squad are “buzzing” about Pietersen’s experience.
The England captain also praised the former batter during a press conference on Sky Sports.
“KP has been very good.
“He’s enjoying the role, he’s enjoying himself.
“He’s been good to have around, little chats here and there. Away from the game, sat having a coffee and a chat about how he sees the game and how he thinks it should be played.
“He was a hero to many of us growing up, so it’s good to have a man of his calibre in our side.”
Pietersen’s experience could give England another useful perspective. In particular, his knowledge could help the team during difficult moments.
Spin specialist
Brook also highlighted Pietersen’s ability against spin.
“He [Pietersen] was a hell of a player against spin, alongside [Joe] Root and [Marcus] Trescothick.
“They were very good players at playing spin, so it’s about picking their brains and asking them what worked for them and putting that into your game.”
Meanwhile, England enter the series with recent ODI success behind them.
England secured a 2-1 ODI series victory over India. They won the deciding match by 27 runs at Lord’s on July 19.
However, England have made three changes to that team.
Tom Banton moves to the top of the order. Jamie Overton takes the all-rounder role, while Rehan Ahmed replaces the injured Adil Rashid.
England team to play Sri Lanka in first ODI:
Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
Brook admits his team are full of confidence after winning the T20i series so convincingly, and added: “We can take a hell of a lot of confidence from being unbeaten in the T20s.
“Going into this ODI series we want more of the same.
“We’re trying to play a higher-octane style of cricket and put them [the opposition] under pressure with bat and ball.
“We want to be one of the fittest sides in the world.
“To do that, we’ve got to work hard on and off the field.
“We are trending in the right direction. There are a few touches here and there which we can improve.”
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