Will Jacks intends to treat England’s next two tri-series matches as a mini World Cup after defeats by Pakistan and Sri Lanka in their opening two matches boxed them into must-win territory.
England had looked set to bounce back from an 87-run hammering by Pakistan as Harry Brook’s record-breaking 202 saw Sri Lanka set a massive 430 to win their match on Thursday, only for them to pull off a remarkable run chase on the penultimate ball.
The two-wicket defeat means England arrive in Lahore knowing they must beat both Pakistan on Sunday and then Sri Lanka on Thursday to give themselves a chance of of reaching the final on Saturday, October 31.
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- Press Association on Friday. “You can’t replicate that in training or a bilateral series.
“In World Cups you have to bounce back, I remember in 2019 when England lost a couple of games in the group and they had to win their last two [against India and New Zealand] and they were able to do that to take the momentum forward [into the semi-finals].
“I’m not saying it’s the same thing but it’s a mini version of that and hopefully we can win on Sunday and move on. We have the opportunity to play in two must-win fixtures.
“Every game that we play is a stepping stone towards South Africa in 12 months’ time. Sometimes you learn more in losses than you do in wins. There’s always going to be bumps.”
Jacks was part of a six-strong bowling group that was pummelled to all parts by Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
Sam Curran, in his second match back after groin surgery, was the most experienced of the attack but ended up being the most expensive, conceding an eye-watering 103 from nine overs – the worst ever ODI figures by an England bowler.
Jacks said of Curran: “I’ve been through operations and it’s always a bit tense playing your first few games and keeping your fingers crossed that your body holds up and you get into the game.
“They were incredibly hard conditions to bowl in for any bowler and he bowls a lot of pressure overs – that’s his role in the team. He’s been so successful with that for England over a number of years.
“There are some days where it doesn’t quite work. If they’re going to chase 430 then someone’s going to have to get some tap, but it’s more of a bowling unit problem that we lost that game.”
While the bowling came under scrutiny, Jacks believes they found the “perfect batting template”, with his close friend Brook recording the all-time fastest ODI double-hundred and the first by an England batter.
Jacks, who was at the other end when Brook reached the milestone, added: “From when I went in, he was on 90, so to see him get to a hundred and then a double hundred – which we didn’t even really think about until the last two overs – was amazing.
“He’s someone I’ve played a lot of cricket with and to be at the other end and have the best seat was really special, I loved it.”
Watch England’s next tri-series match, against Pakistan in Lahore, live on Sky Sports CricketandMain Event from 7.30am on Sunday (8am first ball). Not got Sky?
