England's quest for a rare overseas one-day international series win is on the cusp of success as they target their first away ODI series victory since March 2023, and it could be just what the doctor ordered ahead of the T20 World Cup. The Three Lions have been struggling in bilateral matches against top opposition, with four consecutive defeats followed by a dismal exit from the ODI World Cup title defence and another defeat at the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The England team has struggled on foreign soil since their last series win away in Bangladesh back in March 2023. Their struggles include a pair of 2-1 losses against the West Indies, 3-0 sweeps by India and New Zealand, making fans worry that they may have lost form with each successive defeat.
However, their recent match against Sri Lanka offers an opportunity for England to break this losing streak as Harry Brook and Joe Root came up trumps in a thrilling second ODI win. The two Englishmen scored 42 and 75 from their respective innings as the side took home a five-wicket victory at the Colombo stadium.
Brook described the pitch as "the worst he has ever played on", whilst Root termed it "not great for ODI cricket". The wins have offered some relief to England's head coach Brendon McCullum, who is under pressure to deliver results ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Winning this series will further boost his side's morale.
For Dawson, the match marks an opportunity for him to make a statement as he takes on international duty once again at the 2025 T20 World Cup. The Hampshire player expressed his excitement about playing in the tournament but said that, while it would be "amazing" to play, he also has domestic cricket commitments.
England's recent performances have been a respite from their struggles against top opposition. But fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the third ODI match on January 27, with many hoping for this rare overseas series win to propel England towards success at the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The England team has struggled on foreign soil since their last series win away in Bangladesh back in March 2023. Their struggles include a pair of 2-1 losses against the West Indies, 3-0 sweeps by India and New Zealand, making fans worry that they may have lost form with each successive defeat.
However, their recent match against Sri Lanka offers an opportunity for England to break this losing streak as Harry Brook and Joe Root came up trumps in a thrilling second ODI win. The two Englishmen scored 42 and 75 from their respective innings as the side took home a five-wicket victory at the Colombo stadium.
Brook described the pitch as "the worst he has ever played on", whilst Root termed it "not great for ODI cricket". The wins have offered some relief to England's head coach Brendon McCullum, who is under pressure to deliver results ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Winning this series will further boost his side's morale.
For Dawson, the match marks an opportunity for him to make a statement as he takes on international duty once again at the 2025 T20 World Cup. The Hampshire player expressed his excitement about playing in the tournament but said that, while it would be "amazing" to play, he also has domestic cricket commitments.
England's recent performances have been a respite from their struggles against top opposition. But fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the third ODI match on January 27, with many hoping for this rare overseas series win to propel England towards success at the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.