Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd ODI

England rediscovered the attitude and discipline that powered them to ODI victory over India in the summer when they recorded a convincing 65-run win over Sri Lanka.

England’s top order again failed to fire, only Mustard making a real contribution with 28 from 36 balls. Pietersen in particular looked out of sorts, struggling to make 12 runs off 41 balls. Collingwood and Shah had the task of getting their team back into the game, and it was Shah’s 82 that set England up with a competitive target. Swann again proved his usefulness as a lower order batsman with a handy 34 off 37 balls.

By contrast to the batting, England’s bowling was a team effort, the wickets evenly shared out amongst the bowlers, only Jimmy Anderson failing to take a scalp, although he bowled well enough to deserve at least one. Ryan Sidebottom proved that he can prosper away from English pitches, but again it was Graeme Swann who shone, taking 2-27 from his 10 overs.

In his current form there is little danger of Swann being replaced with Panesar. England might fancy playing two spinners in one of the forthcoming games, but who would be dropped? All three of the fast bowlers have proved themselves capable in Sri Lankan conditions, and given the last two matches the selectors would be wary of weakening the batting.

Kevin Pietersen nominated for ICC awards

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been nominated for three ICC awards: best ODI player, best test player and best cricketer. Ryan Sidebottom and Monty Panesar have both been nominated in the best test player category too. Full list of nominees here.

The awards are – as I’m sure the ICC’s PR department has been trying to persuade sports journalists from around the world - the Oscars of the cricket world. I’m sure everyone has a nice time at the awards, but does anyone outside of the ICC’s headquarters in Dubai give them any credence? I can’t really get that worked up about them either way. I bet Ryan Sidebottom’s mum is pleased as punch.

In related KP news, Kevin has claimed that the new England ODI squad have the potential to be unbeatable. It’s early days yet, but there is cause for hope for the one day team. After a disappointing series against the West Indies, in their games against India they have displayed a much more coherent and mature performance.

The victories against New Zealand and Australia in the winter were exciting, but they seemed to be based on great displays by one or two key players in each match. By contrast the wins against India have been fantastic all-round team performances. Perhaps Collingwood’s all-round talents as a cricketer – good with bat and ball, and great in the field – have rubbed off on the squad as a whole.

In their current form they look capable of winning any kind of game, whether it’s by chasing down a big total or defending a small one. One day cricket demands a high level of adaptability, and England seem to have the depth of talent to achieve that, equally able to squeeze the run rate with tight bowling and fielding or to break a batting partnership when needed.

Hopefully India will play to their best for the next four games: a hard-fought series will help England develop their one day skills. Whatever their deficiencies as a team, India have a great wealth of talent and players who are capable of turning a match around single-handed.