England cricket coach Brendon McCullum has revealed plans to incorporate more 50-over warm-up games into the team's winter schedule. This marks a potential change in approach for McCullum, whose side previously had only one in-house warm-up before last winter's Ashes series.
McCullum noted that "a lot of these guys just haven't played a lot of white-ball cricket." England has not had 50-over practice matches on a tour outside World Cups for six years. The team has won all three of their 50-over series this year, a turnaround from losing six of seven ODI series between the 2023 World Cup and the end of last year.
In recent matches, Tom Banton achieved his first international century, and Jordan Cox contributed a 52-ball 76. These performances highlight a growing depth within the squad, particularly as Jos Buttler faces time on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
The impending return of Sam Curran from a groin injury could also intensify competition for places among the seam bowlers. Meanwhile, the form of Ben Duckett has seen alternatives emerge, with Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton showing their capabilities.