England’s white-ball depth is now a match for the all-conquering 2011 Test side
The two men who made their international debuts during Tuesday’s Twenty20 International win over Sri Lanka – Liam Dawson and Tymal Mills – deserve a big hand and it goes to show how much strength in depth England have.
Not so long ago England looked as though they were struggling to put a white-ball side out; they certainly didn’t know their strongest XI.
Now all of a sudden they have a pool of 20 or so players from which to choose.
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When England reached the top of the Test rankings in 2011 we were strong in all departments, and the same can now be said for the squads in the shorter forms of the game. Dawson and Mills coming in and playing so well is testament to that.
England are now in a position where players can step in seamlessly when others are injured or being rested, while it also maintains a competitive edge in the squad.
It’s also worth pointing out that the current dressing room looks a really comfortable atmosphere to walk into.
Mills cut out for international cricket
In terms of Sussex quick Mills, it was really exciting to see someone in English cricket bowling 90mph.
Although wicketless in England’s eight-wicket victory, he was their most economic bowler, conceding just 22 runs from four overs.
The 23-year-old former Essex seamer looks cut out for that level.
His sheer pace will trouble batsmen, even on slower pitches, and I’m sure he’ll continue improving the more he plays.
Competitor Dawson's dream debut
Left-arm spinner Dawson, meanwhile, is someone I played with towards the end of my time with Hampshire.
He has always been a very competitive individual so it was good to see him make the step up.
Taking three wickets on his international debut would have been a very special moment for him, especially on his home ground – a dream come true.
Buttler could score 150 in a T20
Lancashire’s Jos Buttler top-scored for England with an unbeaten 73 – his highest T20 International score – and the 25-year-old is probably the most talented batsman in English cricket.
Buttler, similar to someone like South Africa’s AB de Villiers, makes cricket look so easy and he’s taking the game to a new level. They can hit the ball 360 degrees and it’s fantastic to watch.
We’re used to seeing Buttler come in down the order but he was promoted to opener on Tuesday and that gives England greater flexibility.
If he opens and gets going, he’s the sort of player who could score 150 in a T20 match.