England’s Sri Lanka win leaves World Cup selection questions

At The Oval, Tom Banton made his first international century as England scored 355-7 against Sri Lanka, with Jordan Cox contributing 76 from 52 balls. England have now won all three of their 50-over series in 2026, after losing six of seven ODI series between the end of their 2023 World Cup campaign and the end of 2025. [1]

Coach Brendon McCullum told BBC Test Match Special that England were trying to add warm-up games to their winter plans. BBC Sport says the proposed games include 50-over practice matches. [1]

Writing for BBC Sport on 28 September, Matthew Henry identified choices still facing the selectors. Ben Duckett has averaged 27.15 across formats since making 149 against India last summer, though he and Jacob Bethell also shared a 192-run opening stand against India at Lord’s. Banton’s form gives England another opening option. [1]

The spin decision is unsettled too. With Adil Rashid injured, Rehan Ahmed was left out of the Sri Lanka series decider and Liam Dawson took 3-26 in his place. Dawson landed 39% of his deliveries on a spinner’s good length, against Ahmed’s 22% in the previous two games; Henry noted that Dawson had more turn and bounce available. [1]

Henry argued that Sam Curran’s prospective return from a groin injury could improve the side’s batting-bowling balance, while making places harder to find for the other pace bowlers. Cox’s opportunity, meanwhile, came after Jos Buttler injured his hamstring in the second ODI. [1]