England are learning - World Cup issues to solve

The most surprising moment of England's thumping win over Sri Lanka at The Oval was not Jofra Archer's direct hit run-out, nor Tom Banton's first international century, but rather coach Brendon McCullum's remarks regarding winter planning. McCullum spoke of arranging 50-over practice matches, noting that a lot of the squad simply have not played enough white-ball cricket in the format.

With the next World Cup a year away, England may not be the absolute best 50-over side globally, but they have notably won all three of their 50-over series this year after a dismal run following the 2023 World Cup. Former spinner Phil Tufnell noted that they might be in with a shout with a bit of luck on their side, though key questions remain.

Ben Duckett has endured a bizarre summer, compiling a Test ton and a 141 against India alongside nine single-digit scores from his other 15 innings. While England are reluctant to drop a senior batter with extensive List A experience, Tom Banton and Jacob Bethell have shown there could be a viable future at the top without the left-hander.

Banton's maiden international century and his ability to hit at the top of the bounce make him well-suited for the bouncy pitches of South Africa, where the majority of the World Cup matches will be played. In contrast, Duckett averages 23.4 on surfaces deemed as high bouncing since the start of 2023.

In the spin department, Rehan Ahmed was dropped for the series decider against Sri Lanka after underwhelming figures earlier in the series, opening the door for 14 years his senior Liam Dawson to take 3-26 at The Oval. This leaves Adil Rashid, who will turn 39 at the World Cup, as vital as ever to the bowling attack.

Batting depth has shown encouraging signs, with Jordan Cox hitting a 52-ball 76 against Sri Lanka to fill in admirably after Jos Buttler sustained a hamstring injury in the second ODI. Meanwhile, the impending return of all-rounder Sam Curran from a groin injury will create an intense squeeze for places in the top seven.

If Curran returns, England's bowling-heavy balance will require leaving out two quicks from a pool featuring Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue, and Sonny Baker. Atkinson has proven to be the most accurate powerplay bowler, while Baker's opening spell at The Oval provided added intrigue.

As Brendon McCullum and his backroom staff evaluate their options, securing proper warm-up fixtures and sorting out the final puzzle pieces will dictate how well England fare in South Africa next year.