Chris Tremlett: England have the best ODI batting line-up in the world
If the last two games have shown us anything its that the sky is the limit for Englands batsmen.
Twice in the past week theyve scored over 350 in One-Day International victories against Pakistan. Its happening so frequently now that its really no longer a surprise.
England have the best 50-over batting line-up in the world: theyre destructive all the way down to the lower order and have all bases covered.
Read more: Chris Tremlett: England shouldn't overthink Denly's spot as third spinner
What they used to struggle with five or 10 years ago is now being made to look easy and with the World Cup drawing ever closer its fantastic to see.
Awesome openers
Jonny Bairstow was the star of the show in Bristol on Tuesday, smashing 128 from 93 balls in Englands chase of 359.
Bairstow came into the series on the back of a brilliant stint in the Indian Premier League and hes so consistent at the moment.
His opening partnership with Jason Roy is ideal for Englands playing style and especially completing big chases. They go hard from ball one and yet rarely get out early, averaging 64.42 runs together at a run-rate of 7.20.
Roy and Bairstow's styles compliment each other perfectly (Source: Getty)
On Tuesday they put on 159 in just 17 overs to make it seven ODI century partnerships together in 26 innings, allowing Joe Root to come in and play his natural game at No3.
Roy and Bairstow look like a nightmare combination to bowl to. Although theyre both right-handed, they hit balls in different areas.
Roy likes to give himself room and hit over the offside, so a bowler might try to cramp him by aiming at his body. But once hes up the other end its a different story, with Bairstow strong off his hip and on the legside.
Pakistan were missing Mohammad Amir and dont have the best bowling attack, but Englands openers left them no margin for error and piled on the pressure.
Batting bonanza
Englands start was so good they reached their target with 31 balls to spare – and they did it while resting Jos Buttler, who scored 110 from 55 balls in the previous game. It just shows how blessed they are.
For me Buttler is already one of the best ever one-day batsmen. Like South Africas fellow genius AB de Villiers he hits balls 360 degrees, often makes a mockery of the bowling and, like many of his team-mates, seems to be peaking at the perfect time for the World Cup.
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