England v Sri Lanka, 5th ODI: 5 Talking Points

England wrapped up an emphatic win in the final ODI of the bilateral series at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. The massive 122-run win sees England complete somewhat of a clean sweep with a 3-0 win in the five-match ODI series. For the Lankans, Danushka Gunathilaka was perhaps the unexpected hero with the ball as the part-timer picked three wickets in his bowling spell. However, the Lankans were no much for the firepower of the likes of Joe Root and Jos Buttler who played massive roles in completing the win for England.

1.James Vince makes opportunity count

With Alex hales out courtesy of a back strain and the selectors choosing to rest Moeen Ali, James Vince was handed a second ODI. Although his opening partner Jason Roy perished early on in the innings, Vince played an incredibly sensible innings as he reached his maiden ODI half-century in quick time. He smashed 51 before becoming Gunathalika’s first of three victims of the evening.

2. Joe Root finally fires

Joe Root has had a largely subdued series. Having performed exceedingly well in the World T20, the hangover of the same was evident when Root failed to fire in the Test Series. While many expected the drought to end, it continued into the ODI series as well until that fateful day at Cardiff. While Root has been one of England’s best batsmen over the past year, the 25-year old came up with a stellar performance as he smashed 93 off an 106 deliveries, playing the anchoring innings he has done so well in his limited over’s career.

3. Buttler adds the finishing touches

Jos Buttler is a finisher beyond reasonable doubt. The newly appointed custodian of the England team certainly packs a punch each time he strikes a ball into the stands. Coming out to bat at number 6, Buttler took the attack to the opposition as he clobbered the Lankan bowlers to all parts of Sophia Gardens. Buttler smashed 70 in just 45 deliveries including 7 boundaries and a massive six. His innings ensured that the hosts crossed the 300-run mark, a formidable proposition for any team.

4. Gunathilaka comes to the party

While the bowling attack of the Sri Lankans was as bad as it could get, the Lankans had a rather unlikely and unusual hero in the form of Danushka Gunathilaka. In spite of bowling with a simple action and gentle turn on the ball, Gunathilaka was the pick of the bowlers as he concluded with three wickets in 10 overs and conceding just 48 runs. Moreover, he also chipped in with a useful performance with the bat as he smashed a quick-fire 48 as the Lankans had well and truly laid the foundation for the chase.

5. Plunkett and co. Skittle out feeble Lankans

Although the Lankans did have some decent performances and useful contributions with the bat, it was the bowling combination of Liam Plunkett and Adil Rasheed that did the trick for the hosts. Plunkett ended up with three scalps while Rasheed chipped in with two of his own as the visitors were bundled out for a paltry 202, thereby handing England a well-deserved 122-run win.