The talking points ahead of England’s three-match one-day series against Ireland
England complete their international summer with a three-match one-day series against Ireland over the next week.
The hosts are carrying a fresh-faced squad after ringing the changes ahead of the World Cup, while Ireland are looking to make up for missing out on the tournament by dealing their neighbours a bloody nose.
Here, the PA news agency picks out some of the key talking points.
Joe Root will line up in Wednesday’s series opener at Headingley at his own request, having asked for an extra innings to find his form. Root is inked in as the linchpin of the side’s batting at number three in India but looked unusually scratchy in four innings against New Zealand. There are no real concerns over his ability to turn it on when most needed but a confidence-boosting knock on Yorkshire soil would go down a treat.
With the first-choice squad elsewhere, England have taken the chance to give Zak Crawley a taste of leadership. The 25-year-old is unproven as a top-tier white-ball player but after a starring role in the Ashes, when he scored 480 runs at 53.33, his confidence should be sky high. There is a desire among the hierarchy to see more individuals step forward as influential dressing room figures, part of a long-term view to succession planning, and Crawley has a perfect chance to show he has the character to carry a team.
The selection panel has reached deep down the depth chart for the Ireland series, with four players handed the chance of an England senior debut. Sam Hain has been rewarded for consistently excellent numbers with Warwickshire, Jamie Smith’s stock has been rising ever since a breakout tour of Sri Lanka with the Lions. Seam bowler George Scrimshaw has a rawness that appeals in an up-and-coming seamer, while