England’s nine-wicket thumping of Pakistan in the first of three ODIs might have seemed the performance of a well-oiled, experienced team, but actually came from one of the greenest sides the hosts have ever fielded.
With Covid-19 having wreaked havoc in the camp, causing the entire originally picked squad to self-isolate, only one player picked – captain Ben Stokes – had more than 20 caps to his name. Only one other – James Vince – had played more than five games, with five players making their England bows in the 50-over format.
Lewis Gregory – 1-11
In a word: Metronomic
The Somerset all-rounder has featured eight times for England in T20Is, but largely struggled, with a high score of 15 and just one wicket to his name. This, therefore, was almost certainly his best performance in international cricket. Handed the new ball, the right-arm seamer was exemplary, conceding just 11 runs off four overs, with his dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan, nipping away off the seam and taking the edge, just about the delivery of the day.
Phil Salt – 7 (13)
In a word: Edgy
There was one crunching boundary through extra cover, but this was on the whole a frenetic innings. It started with a loud lbw appeal, and contained a few edges and plays and misses before Salt nicked off to slip, with Shaheen Afridi providing a working over. Still, with Salt’s List A experience limited, it’s hoped that another two knocks can help him add some 50-over temperament to his T20 intent, and there is no shame in coming off second best against one of the best opening bowlers in the world.
Brydon Carse – 0-31
In a word: Exciting
The Durham quick reached 90 mph in his first over and operated in the high 80s for the vast majority of his spell. With an accurate yorker and skiddy bouncer, there were immediate suggestions that he could operate in the middle overs, as Liam Plunkett used to so well, and while that might be a little optimistic at this point, Carse has the raw skills that prompt a little giddiness.
Zak Crawley – 58* (50
In a word: Classy
The England Test No.3’s T20 record is exceptional, and while he has struggled in red-ball cricket of late, his easy-on-the-eye, uncomplicated, hit-through-the-line style has led some to suggest that white-ball cricket might be his most natural home. On this evidence, that assessment might have some merit to it.
After negotiating a tricky new-ball spell, Crawley was exceptional, timing the ball sweetly, manipulating the ball into gaps without having to innovate, and scoring at a good rate without taking too many obvious risks. He will face tougher challenges, with the sting removed from the game not long into his knock, but given his struggles for England recently, any sort of score is to be welcomed. Whether runs in one format should extend his rope in another is a different question.
John Simpson – Two catches
In a word: Business-like
The Middlesex gloveman is rated as one of the best keepers on the county circuit, but there was little chance to show off his skills here. He got a nerve-settler early on, pouching a simple catch off Gregory, and added another regulation chance late on, but did blot his copybook with a drop off Matt Parkinson in between.
