England v Ireland ODI series: England marks out of 10
@HenryWAClark 2 minute read
After England wrapped up a 2-1 series win over Ireland at the Ageas Bowl we rate the performances of the England players out of 10.
Jason Roy – 2
Will be bitterly disappointed with his return but with his boom-or-bust approach, a quiet series every now and then is to be expected.
Jonny Bairstow – 5
The other half of England’s explosive white-ball opening pair also largely struggled. At his devastating best in his knock of 82 from just 41 balls in the second ODI but low scores either side of that will leave the Yorkshireman disappointed.
James Vince – 3
57 runs @ 19, HS: 25 & 1 wicket @ 38
It was yet again a case of what could’ve been with Vince who played some typically gorgeous shots before gifting away his wicket. England’s continued faith may well have almost run out. At least half a point is for his bowling.
Tom Banton – 4
Somerset fans know just how well Banton can play so it will be disappointing that, until his final innings of 58, he didn’t produce the runs in this series. He may be batting out of position at four and five but that’s where the next gap to break into this side is likely to come.
Sam Billings – 8
Some may have questioned whether the Kent captain’s time had gone on the international stage but two match-winning knocks and only one dismissal later and Billings will have his sights firmly set on a permanent spot in the England middle-order. Showed great control in the run chases as well as the powerful striking for which he made his name.
Eoin Morgan – 7
England’s only centurion of the series, captain Morgan proved he is more than capable of leading England beyond their World Cup triumph and showed the leadership skills we’ve all become familiar with in his first innings of 36* to see England to victory. Was sorely missed in the field in the third ODI too.
Moeen Ali – 3
1 run @ 0.5, HS: 1 & 0 wickets @ 115, best: 0-27
Moeen continues to struggle in England colours. A shadow of his former self with bat and economical but not incisive with the ball. Also struggled to find answers when captaining in Eoin Morgan’s stead as Ireland knocked off a record chase in the third ODI.
David Willey – 8
98 runs @ 98, HS: 51 & 8 wickets @ 18.5, best: 5-30
An excellent series from a man who has used the heartbreak of being dropped from England’s World Cup squad to fuel his desire to put himself back in contention. Contributions with both bat and ball throughout the series adds even more depth to England’s white-ball all-rounder stock.
Tom Curran – 3
38 runs @ 38, HS: 38 & 1 wicket @ 104, best: 1-37
A quiet series for Curran who wasn’t quite at his best with the ball against Ireland. Rested for the second game in favour of Reece Topley, Curran’s handy 38* in the final game highlighted the job he can do lower down the order too.
Adil Rashid – 7
Another series, another strong performance from Rashid. Consistently England’s most threatening bowler and has produced displays that prove just why he is being touted as the world’s best spinner.
Saqib Mahmood – 5
Charged with being England’s paceman for the series with Jofra Archer and Mark Wood absent, Mahmood performed well in both the first and second ODI. Had his figures not been quite so expensive in the third game he would have scored higher but a good showing nonetheless.
Reece Topley – 5
After four years out of the international fold largely due to injury, the lanky left-armer enjoyed a good ODI return. Selected for the second game, his economical bowling was rewarded with a wicket off his final ball but a minor groin strain meant he missed the final match of the series.
