ICC Champions Trophy - England beat Bangladesh - What we learned

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  • Much to ponder for England.

    It may have been a routine victory in the end for England to open up their ICC Champions Trophy Group A campaign, but there are still plenty of talking points from the Oval match.

    What did you make of the action?

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    Here, Sport360’s Stuart Appleby analyses what went on in south west London.

    ENGLAND SHOULDN’T HAVE RISKED HALF-FIT WOAKES

    Chris Woakes managed just two overs with the new ball before having to leave the field with what England later reported was a left side strain.

    Ahead of the game, the 28-year-old was cleared to play after recovering from tightness in his right thigh (which he suffered with during the series win over South Africa).

    England will assess his new injury but you have to question whether it was a risk worth taking to play Woakes against Bangladesh? Yes – he is a key man and mainstay of the side now – but skipper Eoin Morgan will regret fielding him at well below full fitness.

    With a big tournament, and for that matter, year ahead, plus the added benefit of hindsight – it didn’t seem like a wise move.

    COULD STUART BROAD BE CALLED UP TO THE SQUAD?

    Should, as feared, Woakes miss the rest of the tournament – it seems like a no-brainer for the England selectors to recall Stuart Broad back to the one-day international set-up.

    A veteran of 121 ODIs, the paceman was dropped after the calamitous 2015 World Cup debacle but was recalled for England’s 50-over series in South Africa last year.

    He played only two matches then (February 2016) and has not played since but has regularly reiterated his desire to return to the ODI arena – with one eye on the 2019 World Cup in England.

    If selected, Broad could certainly make an impact with all his experience.

    Having initially been overlooked for the Champions Trophy squad, Steven Finn has been in the wickets for the England Lions and would also be a suitable replacement given his pace.

    With doubts over the fitness of Liam Plunkett, too – there could well be another fast bowling berth up for grabs.

    PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: Stuart Broad of England celebrates dismissing George Bailey of Australia during the final match of the Carlton Mid One Day International series between Australia and England at WACA on February 1, 2015 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

    Broad hasn’t played regular ODI cricket since 2015.

    WAS DROPPING ADIL RASHID IN FAVOUR OF JAKE BALL THE RIGHT DECISION?

    Aussie legend Shane Warne was quick to voice his disagreement with the selection when news first filtered through – and although it was a case of the leg-spinning great sticking up for a fellow leggie – he had a point.

    Before Thursday, Rashid had played every ODI on home soil for England this summer and was very much the man in possession. The Oval wicket didn’t exactly suit spin down to the ground but nevertheless his admission was surprising.

    But, perhaps, the England selectors wanted to give Ball a run-out with a theory he will likely have to bowl a lot more in this tournament. One wicket at the cost of 82 won’t have filled the England hierarchy with confidence, though.

    HOW MANY MORE CHANCES WILL JASON ROY GET?

    The England opener was dismissed for just one on Thursday and when your lucks out, it is well and truly out.

    Roy, who has now registered five single digit scores in his last six ODI innings, tried to paddle Mashrafe Mortaza’s delivery fine but was caught brilliantly by Mustafizur Rahman.

    When you’re in good nick, those are the type of shots that fly to the boundary. But for the 26-year-old, who was heavily backed by captain Eoin Morgan before the match, he can’t seem to buy a run.

    The in-form Jonny Bairstow must be wondering what he has to do to get in the team.

    England's Jason Roy leaves the pitch after getting out for 1 run during the ICC Champions trophy cricket match between England and Bangladesh at The Oval in London on June 1, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

    Another failure at the top for Jason Roy.

    IQBAL SHOWS HIS CLASS ONCE MORE

    The Bangladeshi star is an absolute class act and he displayed his brilliance with the bat, scoring 128, in the first innings.

    It was his ninth ODI century – his fifth in 28 innings since the 2015 World Cup – and he is just one reason why his team aren’t just here to make up the numbers.

    It was a spirited showing from the unfancied Group A side and they have plenty in their locker to cause Australia and New Zealand a problem or two.

    LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 01: Tamim Iqbal Khan of Bangladesh celebrates his century during the ICC Champions Cup Group A match between England and Bangladesh at The Kia Oval on June 1, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

    Opening in style: Centurion Tamim Iqbal.

    JOE ROOT IS THE MAN…OF COURSE

    I’m not gloating but I tipped the England superstar to be the key man in the whole tournament and he didn’t disappoint – scoring 133 not out from 129 balls (his highest ODI score) to guide his team to victory.

    He is the man for big games, big tournaments and the cement that holds this England team together (Alex Hales and Eoin Morgan more than played their part too). England, now it seems, love to chase down 300+ scores.

    Don’t expect it to be the last time we talk about the 26-year-old over the next couple of weeks.

    P.s. On a side note – Root received some treatment during the knock and was hobbling about – let’s hope for England’s sake it’s not a serious problem.

    England's Joe Root plays a shot during the ICC Champions trophy cricket match between England and Bangladesh at The Oval in London on June 1, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

    Standout man…again: Joe Root.

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