Banton, Cox strengthen World Cup claims as England face selection squeeze

Oval, 28 September 2026: As ever in sport, the most important game is the next one and England’s 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka have posed some challenging but positive selection dilemmas going forward.

The on-pitch matters in the Metro Bank One-Day International series were hardly an issue, as England sealed the decider at the Kia Oval with great authority, winning by 223 runs, their biggest ever margin of victory over Sri Lanka in the format.

It was a textbook performance, captain Harry Brook describing it as “near perfect” thanks to a maiden international ton from Tom Banton at the top of the order, batting contributions throughout and a brutally effective bowling display. They were too good for Sri Lanka on this occasion and little more could be desired from Brook’s side.

The problem lies, however, when considering the potential return of absentees from the series, with the prospect of a marquee World Cup event that can’t have its significance understated for England after disastrous campaigns in the 2023 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Jos Buttler missed the final game with injury and is ruled out of the tri-series involving hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka in over two weeks’ time. Adil Rashid, Sam Curran and Jacob Bethell were missing from the series entirely, all in the latter stages of their recovery process and in contention for the upcoming tri-series.

Those four players have been staples of the white-ball side and in normal circumstances would likely slot straight back into the line-up on return. The Sri Lanka series proved, however, that there is some extreme talent waiting in the wings, who have made a great case for a more permanent role.

Tom Banton’s 126 in the decider along with his 73 at Headingley was a coming-of-age moment, redemption for his earlier struggles back as a 20-year-old prodigy. The maturity, range of shots, and composure he demonstrated was well beyond his batting partners in this series, outshining some of England’s all-time greats.

“There were times when I was thinking whether the chance would come again. I couldn’t be more grateful to Brookie (Harry Brook) and Baz (McCullum) for giving me that opportunity.”

“I’m not looking too far ahead but it’s really exciting. Baz has been amazing with me.”

McCullum emphasised that there was plenty of time before this ODI line-up is to be set in stone, with 20 games before the first World Cup clash as well as the prospect of warm-up games prior to the series against Australia.

“We know that the schedule is demanding, we’re going to need a depth of squad to make sure we’re supremely fit.”

It’s good news for Jordan Cox who played exceptionally at the Kia Oval, making 76 off 52 and performed with the gloves.

Speaking on Cox, McCullum said: “It was quite a Jos Buttler innings today. He’s worked incredibly hard and he’s a phenomenal talent with a huge amount of runway in front of him.”

Cox is in line to keep his spot behind the stumps with Buttler sidelined, and while it would be a stretch to think he will take the spot of England’s greatest ever white ball player for good, Cox’s thinking will be that if any spot in the batting lineup becomes available he can be the next man up.

Age might be catching up with the likes of Buttler, Adil Rashid and even Joe Root in the one-day format despite his heroics against India. But for how bleak the 50-over future was looking for England not too long ago, there’s a world they head to the World Cup with an array of immensely talented options who could right the wrongs of one-day cricket since the golden year of 2019.