Five England players who must not wilt in the heat of the one-dayers

 

Matt Fearon
Saturday 05 January 2013 01:00 GMT
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1. Tim Bresnan

Age 27, caps 65

The Yorkshireman has lost a whole nine yards of pace since surgery on his elbow. His lumbering run-up heralded endless wicketless spells in the Test series and bore a painful resemblance to Sisyphus, the hapless mythical Greek boulder roller.

2. Steven Finn

Age 23, caps 25

The towering Middlesex man has seemingly notched up an injury for each of his 79 inches. After bookending impressive performances in the Test series with injury breakdowns, bowling 10 overs in five straight matches would be a good start ahead of England's busiest year.

3. Ian Bell

Age 30, Caps 119

A Test series-saving century did much to disguise what was, in truth, a difficult tour with the bat. If he can replicate in Indian conditions his impressive form since moving to the top of the order in the one-day game, Bell will shed the disguise and reveal his true self.

4. Craig Kieswetter

Age 25, Caps 43

It is 16 matches since Kieswetter passed 50 and the presence of Jos Buttler in the squad, who kept wicket in the two Twenty20 games, spells an all-Somerset duel for the gloves. Must demonstrate an ability to control an innings or there'll be a real West Country accent behind the stumps.

5. Stuart Broad

Age 26, Caps 93

He may only be available for the final two matches but they could be the most important of his career. A deterioration in his bowling is matched by a loss of self-confidence in his willow-wielding abilities. Spent the Test series in the wings. Must return to centre stage.

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