It is just three games, one series, played at home against one of the few major teams ranked even lower than them. But if it would be unwise to get carried away with England’s clean sweep of West Indies there was no mistaking what we witnessed along the way: green shoots, tender and fragile but undeniable, desperately needed signs of renewal after a period of atrophy. The genesis of a new team, under fresh leadership, with fresh emphases and impetus.
It has been overdue. From the miseries of the last World Cup to the indignity of the Champions Trophy this year, England’s recent 50‑over record is dire. Between the start of that World Cup and this summer they played 26 games and won seven, along the way playing series against West Indies, Australia, West Indies again and India and losing them all.
