After three games of the Natwest series, England are at last showing some glimpses of decent one day form.  The three games have been emphatic to the victors in each case with England 2-1 ahead as we speak.

The thing that stood out to me most is England’s fielding, not just because India’s is so poor, but we look to have all of a sudden a youthful energetic approach in the field, something that has been missing of late.  You can see this when your opening bowlers are not only bowling well at the top of the innings, as James Anderson and Stuart Broad have done, but when you see them running around and diving like spring chickens in the outfield, I think it works wonders for team morale. 

Not everything that Paul Collingwood has touched has turned to gold, but he has learnt quickly that he must be fielding behind point even though he perhaps feels uncomfortable leading from that place.  We have posted good scores in two of the three games without major contributions from either Kevin Pietersen or a resurgent Andrew Flintoff who proved to be in devastating form with the ball in the first two games.  Alastair Cook is clearly gaining in confidence at this level as is Ian Bell, while Matt Prior is doing a job at the top of the order.  I still have reservations about Dimitri Mascarenhas in international colours and also think Chris Tremlett still has a lot to prove.

My biggest thought though as England prepare for the fourth one dayer at Old Trafford this week is how the England cricket team can possibly go in to a cricket match without a recognised spinner.  Let’s hope we do not see that again.