'Like a mini World Cup' - Jacks sees positives in England's tri-series troubles
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.
Key points
- England must beat Pakistan on Sunday and Sri Lanka on Thursday to reach the October 31 final.
- Sri Lanka chased 430 to beat England by two wickets on the penultimate ball in Rawalpindi.
- Sam Curran conceded 103 from nine overs, the worst ODI figures by an England bowler.
England's defeats to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in their opening two tri-series matches have left them needing wins in both remaining group games, Will Jacks said on Friday. England lost by 87 runs to Pakistan and then by two wickets to Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Thursday, despite Harry Brook's record-breaking 202.
England must beat Pakistan in Lahore on Sunday and Sri Lanka on Thursday to have a chance of reaching the final on Saturday, October 31. Jacks told the Press Association he sees the next week as preparation for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Jacks on World Cup pressure
Jacks said England faced a similar situation on the way to winning the 2019 World Cup, when they had to win their last two group games. He described the tri-series as "a mini version of that" and said every game is a stepping stone towards South Africa in 12 months' time.
He added that sometimes teams learn more in losses than in wins.
It's my first tri-series and it replicates World Cup-style pressure.
— Will Jacks
Bowling under scrutiny
Sri Lanka chased 430 after Brook's 202, the fastest ODI double-hundred and the first by an England batter. Sam Curran, in his second match back after groin surgery, conceded 103 from nine overs, the worst ODI figures by an England bowler.
Jacks defended Curran, saying the conditions were hard for any bowler and that the defeat was more a bowling unit problem. He said England had found the "perfect batting template".
