Jofra May Have To Shake Things Up After Gayle's Reality Check

Chris Stocks notes that as England’s ODI squad loses its air of invincibility with the World Cup approaching, a change in personnel seems likely

Given the circumstances, Trevor Bayliss, England’s coach, was in good spirits as he held court in the team hotel in St Lucia less then 24 hours after his players had been humiliated by West Indies.

Eoin Morgan’s men may still be No.1 in the world, but fewer than three months before the start of the World Cup, they made a mockery of their favourites’ tag for that tournament as they were routed for 113 to fall to a record-low ODI total against the Windies.

With that went hopes of a record-equalling tenth successive series win, this one ending 2-2 as England’s air of invincibility was shattered by man-of the-series Chris Gayle and his team-mates.

So while Bayliss may have cut a relaxed figure initially, the Australian soon made it clear that things were going to change. When he spoke, he sounded as frustrated as he ever has during his four years in the job, branding the St Lucia performance “embarrassing”.

Yes, the Test team have offered up plenty of shocking performances over his tenure – not least when they slipped to defeat in the recent series in the Caribbean. Things were meant to be different with this one-day team, who despite their occasional blow-outs have made consistency and excellence their watchwords during a stunning revival since the 2015 World Cup.