Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

What an end to an ODI series sandwiched between two Test series; the first of the ODI cricket league, which required a boost, particularly given the one-sided opening ODI.

Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie, two of Ireland’s premier batsmen, came to the fore in the third match. They were well under-par in the opening two matches, but when they found their feet, it was a sight to behold. England, in the end, won the series with key stars out, but their selections, as well as performances of certain players, left a bit to be desired.

Here are five talking points from the England vs Ireland ODI series.

1. See what happens when opportunities are given?

See what happens when the lesser-experienced nations get more opportunities? The three-match series, rather than a one-off ODI, gave Ireland the opportunity to improve as the series went on.

And that they did.

Ireland got progressively better in each ODI. The first was a poor one, but that is understandable given the inexperience in their side. In the second, they reduced England to 137/6 chasing 213. In the third, they chased down a 300+ score; the second time they have achieved this against England, after the classic Bangalore match in the 2011 World Cup.

As mentioned, the class and ability of Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie shone through. The bowlers had the better of England’s top order for the most part of the series. If we want cricket to be a truly global game, it is important that teams like Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands are given proper opportunities. A 10-team World Cup is not the answer.

2. The emergence of Curtis Campher

However, Ireland’s biggest positive this series was the rise of Curtis Campher. With 127 runs in two innings and five wickets in three, Campher was well in contention for the man of the series award, which was eventually awarded to David Willey.

However, it was more than just the numbers that impressed everyone. It was the context and the manner in which Campher went about his work. In the first ODI, Campher came in with Ireland reeling at 28/5, with their lowest ever ODI score of 80 under threat. He displayed excellent technique and temperament on his way to 59*. The challenge was then backing up his effort two days later, which he did, scoring 68 to elevate Ireland from the depths of 78/5 to the respectability of 212/9.

Campher’s rise gives Ireland hope that they can rediscover their glory days of 2007-2011. He plays the ball nice and late with the bat, and can touch 85mph with the ball. The sky is the limit as Ireland will get more games during the ODI World Cup Super League.

3. What’s going on with Jason Roy and Moeen Ali?

To suggest that Jason Roy should be dropped is a little far-fetched. After all, he is part of an opening combination that has the best run rate of any partnership in ODI history (min. 2,000 runs) and averages over 41 in 90 ODIs.

However, there are concerns. Jason Roy has now been dismissed in the first over 15 times since the 2015 World Cup, with Martin Guptill next with six. Also, Roy continues to look fragile against the moving ball. So, how England manage Roy will be interesting to see. Given the way they play, they will surely encourage him to continue going hard, but what happens if there is movement on offer for the bowlers?

Also struggling was Moeen Ali, who took no wickets in the series with only one run to his name. As England’s vice-captain, and with ability on his side, England will need him to discover the form that made him a regular member of their Test and ODI sides.

4. Superb Morgan and Billings overshadow England’s worries. The end of James Vince’s ODI career?

Sam Billings held firm in precarious situations in the opening two ODIs. Eoin Morgan produced a gem of a hundred in the third game after the top three were out cheaply. These were excellent performances, but one can’t help but wonder if England missed an opportunity or two.

England selected James Vince, a player who has struggled to go on with starts for his entire career. His scores this series read 25, 16 and 16, with both his inside and outside edges under serious threat. The crisp, gorgeous cover drives are soon met with frustration, as Vince’s ODI career now hangs by a thread.

So, the question must be asked: was it worth giving Vince this opportunity, over players such as Phil Salt and Sam Hain? The latter has a List A average of 59.78 in 58 matches, and in a time where split squads are a necessity, it looked the perfect opportunity to give him a run in the team. Now, England will have to find another time to play this promising batsman, while James Vince’s ODI career looks all-but-done.

5. Triumphant return for David Willey

Just over a year ago, David Willey was left heartbroken at missing out on England’s World Cup squad. He was a key contributor in England’s ODI rise since 2015, which made the news all-the-more hard to take. However, he wished the team well.

A year later, Willey has made a successful return to the side, winning man of the series. He was instrumental in England’s two wins, taking 5/30 in the first ODI before taking 2/48 and scoring a crucial 47* to see England home in the second.

What this series has shown that Willey can still contribute when needed, which gives England an excellent option moving forward, should a first-choice seamer not play. Better, he is a team man, and such players are a joy to have in your side.

In the end, England took out the series 2-1, but Ireland can take many positives from their showings. A great way to end the series.

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