In the seven-game T20 international series, England claimed a 4-3 series win over Pakistan.

All is good in the garden for the T20 World Cup.

There are a number of issues that need to be solved before England play Afghanistan in Perth.

James Foster was a member of the Test Match Special team which covered the series.

  • TMS podcast looks ahead to Men's T20 World Cup

Who opens the batting?

Alex Hales was given an olive branch by England's captain and coach before the World Cup after he was dropped from the T20 squad.

In this series, Phil Salt scored 167 runs at 27.83 with a strike rate of 157.54 and Hales scored 130 runs at 21.66 with a strike rate of 141.30 Salt hit the ball crisply down the ground in the sixth match to square the series.

Hales' experience of Australian pitches would seem to give him the upper hand over Salt, as he has thrived as one of the best batters in the Big Bash.

Alex Hales was back in an England shirt for the first time since 2019 and hit 53 in the first T20
Alex Hales was back in an England shirt for the first time since 2019 and hit 53 in the first T20

Buttler could drop himself down to a 'finisher' role similar to the 50-over format, but Foster thinks that is unlikely.

He thinks that Jos will stay at the top of the order for the World Cup.

Alex is back in that group. In franchise cricket over the past few years, we've seen that he can really dominate sides, and he has done that in this series. There is a decision to be made since Phil Salt has done himself no harm.

Should Buttler think again about keeping?

When Buttler succeeded Morgan as England's white-ball captain in June it caused a cricket quandary. Can he open the batting and captain the team?

Salt was given seven matches as an opener and an opportunity to keep the ball because Buttler was in Pakistan in a non-playing capacity. If Buttler is fully fit, he will keep his job.

Buttler's grey matter will be taxed by tactical quick- thinking in the heat of the battle and it could be to England's benefit for him to leave the gloves in his kit bag.

"Jos has a lot on his plate," said Foster, who played all five of his T20 internationals for England as their custodian.

You have to take care of yourself. I have been captained and kept in my home.

Phil Salt kept wicket and opened the batting in Pakistan as Jos Buttler rested a troublesome calf
Phil Salt kept wicket and opened the batting for England in Pakistan as Jos Buttler rested a troublesome calf

He is very familiar with things. Someone making their way in international cricket is not being talked about. If anyone can take care of all three responsibilities, it's Buttler.

He didn't think he got much of an advantage from Salt and Buttler standing in the field together. Foster said the nature of the competition dictated a switch as opposed to setting a precedent.

The Hundred is quicker than T20, so it makes sense. It's a no-brainer to have Phil Salt in your team.

It's easier to have conversations with the bowler standing at extra cover.

He doesn't stay in the Indian premier league. He will see it as a chance. Being good at all three things can have a negative effect. I don't think he's going to give the gloves up.

Where does Stokes fit in?

You have to go back 18 months to March 2021, the last time Ben Stokes played for England, against India.

He's become England's Test skipper, Morgan retired and several players advanced their claims. It seems like the well for batting is deep for England.

It was a breakthrough series for Harry Brook, who finished the series as England's top run-scorer and their player of the series. He did it at five.

Although Liam Livingstone is unlikely to be fit for the start of the World Cup, a smooth path for the all-rounder's return could be paved by the fall guy.

England Test captain Ben Stokes retired from one-day cricket during the summer but is still available for the T20 side
England Test captain Ben Stokes retired from one-day cricket during the summer but is still available for the T20 side

A "free hit" is how Mott described the je ne sais quoi that Stokes brings to the team, with his inclusion in England's XI a closed book.

Ben is a match winner. Foster played for England and said it would be difficult to not play him.

I'm not sure how they will use him. Maybe in the back end? He will take on any role that comes his way.

"Yes, he hasn't played for England in T20 cricket for some time, but if they decide to play him in the World Cup he will fit straight back into that side and the dressing room." He is a leader with the ball, bat and in the field.

Wood's pace vital, but concerns about Rashid

Mark Wood took six wickets in two matches in Pakistan at a miserly 7.33 with an economy of 5.50 but those statistics only tell part of the story.

On his first appearance in an England shirt since March after recovering from an elbow injury, the speed gun in Karachi gave him one of his deliveries at 97mph, which was the fastest he had ever delivered.

Wood is a weapon that Buttler will be happy to have.

Foster said that having someone who can bowl that express pace will be important.

He's played a few games here having not played all summer. He will be going to the World Cup with a lot of confidence, according to the word from inside the camp.

Mark Wood missed the whole of the summer in England through injury but did not look rusty in Pakistan
Mark Wood missed the whole of the summer in England through injury but did not look rusty in Pakistan

In conditions which seemed to suit defensive orthodox spinners, Adil Rashid had a relatively subdued series.

His cost was 44.80 but he was much improved in the final match with 1 25 from four overs.

Foster said it wasn't a concern because Adil is an absolute star. He is an important part of the England team.

He has the ability to control the run rate and is a star. He's going to have an excellent World Cup.

It's a balanced side with England having a lot of spin options. Is the World Cup going to be won by them? I believe so.

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