Ahead of the final match in their ODI series against Sri Lanka in Colombo, England will have the chance to end their tour on a high ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup in the new year.
With the series currently standing at 4-2 in favour of the hosts, England’s biggest debate continues to revolve around captain Alastair Cook.
Cook’s lean run of form with the bat has continued through the tour of Sri Lanka, and calls for fresh faces – the likes of Alex Hales and James Taylor, to feature more prominently, have grown.
Head Coach Peter Moores has continued to back Cook, insisting that the batsman is the best choice to see England travel to the ICC Cricket World Cup and compete for silverware.
"For me, I think Alastair's the right man to move us to the World Cup," Moores said.
"But like most things, I'll go into a room with the other selectors and we'll talk about it. We'll talk about our team. A lot's happened over the last six ODIs, a lot of good has happened.
“Then we need to formulate that into a squad of 15 people who can go to Australia and be competitive for the World Cup. That's what we've been working to and that doesn't change.
"We're trying to balance out the right team. Of course Alastair needs some runs but we're trying to balance out an aggressive batting order, a side that can take wickets throughout and also play in an environment that's great for young players to express themselves. We've got a lot of young players coming in to this team who are doing well.”
No one encapsulates the notion of young players coming into the side and impressing quite like James Taylor. Made to wait agonisingly for his chance to represent his country once more, he has been a shining high in this series – amassing 168 runs in three innings, intensifying the debate.
"I understand that there will always be debate about players who aren't in form. And the captain gets extra focus. That goes with the territory,” said Moores.
"And I don't want people to say we are better than we are or give us stuff we haven't earned. Players have deserved real credit for some of the things that have happened on this trip.
“Some of Moeen Ali's shot-making is beautiful to watch. As he settles on his tempo, he is looking a very exciting cricketer with bat and ball. I think Chris Jordan is starting to express himself on an international field, Chris Woakes is starting to show that he can take wickets at this level and have an influence.
“They are exciting things for us. James Taylor came in and took his chance. So they are good things. You balance them all out on the trip."
Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to take in what promises to be an absorbing contest and secure your seat now.