It has been a stunning 2011 for England. Following on from Ashes glory (ignoring the insipid World Cup performances) Sri Lanka and India were put comfortably to the sword. The only side to escape a series defeat on these shores this year was the West Indies.
The West Indies celebrate victory over England at the Oval in the final game of the 2011 summer.
A youthful looking England couldn’t see off Darren Sammy’s bits-and-pieces West Indies outfit in the second t20 at the Oval. The first t20 resulted in a crushing 10 wicket win for the hosts, but they were unable to repeat the trick on Sunday.
Had complacency crept in? Having restricted the visitors to just 114 there was an air of celebration about the England players as they departed the field. What followed was rather embarrassing as England posted their lowest ever t20 total in a limp batting performance.
England were skittled out for just 88. Their previous lowest was a total of 111 against South Africa at Trent Bridge. Only Ben Stokes, batting at three, got going, helping himself to 31 runs. Debutant Scott Borthwick second top scored with 14. It was a sorry display that included four run outs.
The defeat could prove to be a blessing in disguise. England have had this summer much their own way and the youngsters brought in for these two fixtures could be forgiven for thinking that success was a foregone conclusion in an England shirt.
T20 cricket is always something of a lottery and England now know what needs to be done if they are to retain their crown at the t20 World Cup in Sri Lanka next year.
Defeats to Sri Lanka and West Indies have highlighted the need for consistency, but this is a young England squad that has been deprived of key members through injuries. Stuart Broad, Eoin Morgan and Kevin Pietersen are all automatic selections when fit.
The ECB has also scheduled three t20s against South Africa next summer with a view to getting the best possible preparation ahead of the Sri Lankan tournament. Finding consistency this winter against Pakistan and Sri Lanka will also be key.
On the whole, though, England have every right to be very satisfied with how the summer has panned out. New players have been blooded on the international stage and there is much optimism around the English game at the moment as England seek to hang onto their newfound number one ranking in Test cricket.
The ODI side also secured two series victories and the English set up looks steady across all three formats.
To keep heading in the right direction, however, the complacency displayed on Sunday must be eradicated. It was but a minor blip on a hugely successful 2011 summer.
By Miles Reucroft
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