In the five-match series against Australia, England lost the first two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) but won the third one to turn things around. Despite this, it appeared that some of the players were finding it difficult to adjust to the format, which is concerning given the Champions Trophy 2025.
Due to the absence of several veteran players including Chris Woakes, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, and others because of injuries or retirement, England has selected a youthful team that hasn’t played much cricket together.
Will Jacks spoke on the subject, saying that the players have had difficulty finding tempo and haven’t played enough 50-over cricket lately.
He said that their progress has been hampered by the format’s rarity of play. After spending more time together, he anticipates that the group will work better together in the future and achieve success more regularly.
It might be challenging to maintain that tempo because we don’t currently play 50-over cricket. The schedule only permits what it permits, which is decided by those in positions of authority over us. We simply follow directions. The Mirror cited Jacks as saying, “I think you’re going to play more leading up to a major event, but with the way TV is now… that’s out of our control.”
“We’re new as a team, so it will take some time to get there, but we’re improving every game, so hopefully the next time we come back, we’ll be even better,” he continued.
Notably, Jacks contributed a critical 84-run effort in the third ODI, which helped England defeat Australia by 46 runs (DLS method). He and captain Harry Brook sewed a vital partnership of 156 runs that decided the outcome of the match.
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Jacks arguably solidified his place in the ODI team after the knock, and he will be an important middle order player moving forward.