England recently faced a setback in Pakistan, succumbing to a spin-dominated loss that marked their first series defeat after leading 1-0 in a three-match lineup. This loss under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum is only their second series defeat, yet it paints a balanced yet bittersweet record for 2024: 14 games played, with an equal split of seven wins and seven losses.
With the New Zealand tour just around the corner, the first Test in Christchurch today gives England little time for reflection. The question looms: how resilient is this team?
When on form, England is thrilling to watch. However, their off days are just as memorable—frustratingly so. Their 2022 tour of Pakistan, which they won 3-0, symbolised the peak of the so-called "Bazball" era. A subsequent Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui bolstered Stokes and McCullum’s record to an impressive 10 wins from 11 matches. But recent months have brought a levelling effect, with 21 games yielding 10 wins and 10 losses. While a rainy Ashes in Manchester forced a single draw, leaving England at sixth place in the World Test Championship, their journey remains praiseworthy in terms of team spirit, unity, and the joy of representing their country on the field.
But ultimately, results do matter. England’s performance in every upcoming Test will shape this team’s legacy, starting with New Zealand, moving to India on home ground, and ending with an anticipated clash against Australia next year.
Leadership Challenges: The Captain and Vice-Captain
England is seeking stability, needing both a reliable number three and a fully-fit Stokes, but for now, they have neither. Stokes has battled knee issues for some time and was finally regaining form during the home summer when a hamstring injury sidelined him. His return for the last two Pakistan Tests saw him as a captain in name only, with limited mobility and contributing just 15 runs in the third Test.
Meanwhile, vice-captain Ollie Pope has struggled with consistency. Although a potential match-winner when he settles in, recent performances tell a different story: out of his last 12 innings, he surpassed 30 runs only once, reaching 154 in that instance. England remains hopeful he’ll find his rhythm in New Zealand. But even if he succeeds in the short term, questions linger about his ability to deliver against the world’s toughest bowling attacks.
This uncertainty at number three might be resolved by Joe Root, though he has repeatedly voiced his preference to avoid that slot. Some pundits, like Michael Vaughan, argue moving Stokes to number three could address two problems in one go. Another factor to consider is the promising Jordan Cox; if he impresses while covering for Jamie Smith in New Zealand, Pope may face added pressure to keep his place.
The Spin Strategy: A Crucial Component
Having completed a four-year journey through Asia, where they played 17 Tests since 2021, England’s return to these conditions won’t come until 2027. Although the batsmen and pacers might welcome the change, the future of the spin bowlers feels uncertain. Jack Leach, now 33, may have bowled his last for England unless an injury to 21-year-old Shoaib Bashir paves the way.
While Bashir is being groomed under Stokes’ guidance, his performance has been mixed. He struggled when Pope led the team, but under Stokes, he’s posted an average of 32 with a strike rate of 55, comparable to Nathan Lyon’s 30.5 average and a strike rate of nearly 62. Bashir’s true test will come in Australia, where his resilience and ability to outwit opponents will be severely tested.
England also faces a dilemma over Rehan Ahmed, a leg-spinner with a natural flair for the game. Having debuted at 18, he’s managed five Tests in Asia and boasts a remarkable strike rate of 47.1, the best for any England spinner with 20 or more wickets since 1928. Rather than restricting him to Asia, England could elevate Ahmed’s role, especially if his batting skills develop further.
Rebuilding England’s Pace Arsenal
Brydon Carse’s recent emergence has fueled England’s efforts to revitalise a pace attack no longer anchored by James Anderson and Stuart Broad. This aspect of England’s squad is being tailored for the Ashes tour to Australia next year, a mission that past captains have pursued but often faced obstacles in executing.
Looking ahead, England has a list of potential candidates, including Carse, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, and several others. Jofra Archer, on a careful comeback trail from injury, could potentially rejoin this lineup. Sussex could offer him a platform for this return, with the early County Championship aligning with the IPL in 2025. Dan Worrall, a 33-year-old Australian with a British passport, could also join the ranks. Once ridiculed by Australian media as “the rat that joined the sinking ship” when England called upon Australian-born Martin McCague in the 1990s, Worrall’s inclusion may well stir a similar reaction.
The State of Test Cricket: Alive and Well
Despite concerns over the future of Test cricket, its recent series have displayed exceptional quality and competitiveness. England’s matches in Pakistan have been dramatic, while New Zealand’s achievement in India and South Africa’s success in Bangladesh are evidence of Test cricket’s resilience. Naturally forming windows outside franchise leagues are helping Test cricket thrive, and a formal structure could further support its growth.
The World Test Championship has heightened anticipation, with India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka all vying for top positions. England, although not currently in the running, could play a pivotal role in elevating Test cricket’s reputation and appeal.
Test cricket isn’t dying; it simply needs care and attention.