Livingstone finally gets time in middle... and end result demands engine-room spot

MIDWAY through the only series a packed schedule has given England to focus fully on World Cup preparation, they cannot yet have drawn too many firm conclusions.

- Malik Ouzia

Friday's hefty defeat by New Zealand in Cardiff was made up of some encouraging batting contributions and a flat bowling display; yesterday's victory at the Ageas Bowl included a worrying top-order collapse but an excellent fightback with the ball.

In selection terms, a few niggles and the birth of Dawid Malan V have denied Jos Buttler and Matthew Mott the chance to trial a first-choice XI in either of the first two ODIS. Jason Roy, the batter whose form is the biggest unknown, has not been able to prove it because of a back spasm. Mark Wood and Adil Rashid, England's most valuable bowlers, are having to be handled with kid gloves. Harry Brook has had the chances so many demanded, but has so far failed to take them batting out of position.