In a disappointing turn for England’s cricket team, they faced another defeat against New Zealand, marking their second loss in the ODI series. Captain Harry Brook expressed his frustration about the team’s performance, admitting they were “hammered” by their opponents.
England’s Struggles in ODI Format
This marks the sixth ODI series defeat for England in their last seven attempts. Brook’s leadership was tested during this match, and his disappointment was palpable. “It’s disappointing, isn’t it?” Brook remarked when discussing the team’s inability to perform to their potential.
Throughout the year, England has been bowled out in seven of their eight away ODI matches. A noteworthy statistic highlighted on the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast revealed that, in 2025, the team has failed to score 250 runs in any innings without Joe Root contributing a half-century.
Inconsistent Batting Performance
Despite efforts to maintain a solid batting line-up, England’s performance has faltered. The current squad, including five players from the ODI top six also in the Test team, has not adapted well to one-day cricket. The captain suggested that the aggressive approach used in Test matches should translate into success in shorter formats. “We play aggressively in Test cricket, and it’s not too far off the way we play in ODIs,” Brook stated.
Tosses and Pitch Conditions
Brook downplayed the impact of losing tosses against New Zealand, emphasizing that it should not serve as an excuse. “Everybody in that batting line-up is good enough to cope with swinging and seaming conditions,” he said.
Returning Stars
Jofra Archer made a notable return for England, showcasing his skills with three wickets for 23 runs from ten overs. Having just arrived in New Zealand, Archer’s impressive bowling speed averaged 88 mph. Although there was a brief scare when Archer injured himself diving for a ball, he quickly recovered to complete his overs.
Looking Ahead
Following this series defeat, England aims to respond positively, reminiscent of their previous match against South Africa where they scored an astounding 414 runs. “It’s disappointing for the fans who expect us to entertain,” Brook noted, reinforcing the need to regain their winning formula.
Despite the recent setbacks, the captain remains optimistic that with a few adjustments, the team can regain their competitive edge in the ODI format.
