A common idea in English cricket is that it is best to pursue one idea in one format at a time. In the lead up to 2019, this was ODI cricket for a home World Cup. Next it was becoming the best T20 side in the world. The last year has seen a healthy focus on rebuilding the Test side.
The result of this is that you get one ugly duckling across the three major formats. As England became the most formidable white ball side in the world, their Test team fell into a torrid run of form. Most recently it is the 50 Over side who found themselves short of love.
The question for England right now, is what next?
The landscape of the next two years is such that all formats are going to have their moment in the sun. Next year we have another T20 World Cup, before 2025 brings the Champions Trophy and an Ashes series down under. All will matter to the ECB, but history suggests that England are unlikely to bring their A game to all three.
Given the magnitude of England’s struggles in the World Cup, one might be tempted to think that ODIs will fall back into favour. There is an almost romantic idea of England going back to basics and building a new side to compete.
The clear stumbling block for this route is the reliance it has on the appetite for ODIs in the wider cricketing world. Scheduling is already hectic, and this would require an emphasis on home and away series to include some 50 over games.
To be more specific, it would require a lot of movement against the general tide going towards more T20 series. T20 series make plenty of sense for cricket boards, they are less expensive to host than longer formats and evening games tend to be well-attended even in term time.
Given the rise and rise of T20 leagues, the reality is that this is a format which is likely to hold a significant level of importance in the world of cricket. With some loose speculation that the Champions Trophy might have 30 overs shaved off, it feels unlikely that England will let their T20 side fall by the wayside.
Of course, this will all be going on in the shadow of England’s favourite cricketing obsession. Given the horror series that was The Ashes in 2021/22, England will be looking to bring their newfound improvements to the land of their greatest foes.
England love Test cricket, and above all they love The Ashes. The two years until it will fly by, so England surely want to start preparing their team as soon as possible.
When you lay out all the options, England have a pretty obvious problem. All of the formats have an event to build towards, so setting one single-minded goal seems unlikely. Perhaps what this actually offers is a chance for England to tackle the problem and not the symptoms, for them to have a go at creating a structure which can challenge on all fronts.
As a concept it is not unattainable. India, Australia, and New Zealand all operate on vastly different budgets and across formats find plenty of success. As much as the results will be seen on the field, England first need to get it right off of it.
