Home » Sports » Cricket

What England learned from a disastrous tri-series in Pakistan… and the big selection questions Brendon McCullum must answer before they face Australia next month, writes LAWRENCE BOOTH

LAWRENCE BOOTH: England eventually won a game in the ODI tri-series in Pakistan, beating Sri Lanka by 55 runs in Lahore - a victory that came too late to reach Saturday's final.

By LAWRENCE BOOTH · Daily Mail

Published: Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 7:53 PM

Key Things to Know

Lawrence Booth examines the tactical problems facing England and coach Brendon McCullum after a poor ODI tri-series in Pakistan.
England dropped to eighth in the ODI rankings after suffering three defeats in four matches during the tournament.
Ben Duckett impressed by scoring 105 against Pakistan and a career-best 167 against Sri Lanka.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Daily Mail Sport's Lawrence Booth argues that Brendon McCullum faces major tactical dilemmas following England's disappointing ODI tri-series campaign in Pakistan. England finished with three defeats from four matches, falling to eighth in the ODI rankings despite a consolation 55-run win over Sri Lanka in Lahore.

Booth highlights Ben Duckett's career-best 167 as a rare positive, while questioning England's bowling depth and Sam Curran's all-rounder role. With Jos Buttler recovering from surgery and Jofra Archer set to return in Australia, England must resolve selection issues before next year's World Cup.

Read the full article on Daily Mail