It was but the bowling yet again at the death was poor.
I think it's indicative of England's ODI problem really.
Too many bits and pieces T20 style all rounders.
Look at todays card, Root at number 3 is being picked because he bowls. Bopara at 6 is picked because he bowls, Stokes at 8 is picked because he bats and Bresnan at 9 is picked because he bats.
If I was them I would reshuffle, I don't think Root's in any sort of nick so I'd bring in Carberry to open (I think they want to give Pietersen a rest, but if not he'd come in). I'd leave Ballance at 3 if they want to give him the chance but then promote Morgan to 4. Bell to come in at 5 (who I think is a quality ODI player, but scores too slowly to be partnered with Cook), then Buttler at 6 (he's good enough to knock it around at around about a run a ball if he has to come in early) and Bopara as a bowling all rounder at 7 (competing with Stokes, Wright, Woakes and that ilk of player for the slot), that leaves you 4 slots for specialist bowlers. One of whom will be your spinner.
It's perhaps a change bowler light, but I'd rather see that than see them field a ton of bits and piece players to make up the overs. Plus I feel like that has a nice balance of aggression and accumulation throughout the order.
AN Cook* c & b Maxwell 22
50
30
2
0
73.33
IR Bell run out (Clarke) 68
122
84
5
0
80.95
JE Root lbw b Johnson 2
8
8
0
0
25.00
GS Ballance st †Haddin b Maxwell 9
17
19
0
0
47.36
EJG Morgan c Clarke b Faulkner 106
138
99
4
6
107.07
RS Bopara c Bailey b Faulkner 24
33
19
2
1
126.31
JC Buttler† c Clarke b Coulter-Nile 49
54
36
3
1
136.11
BA Stokes c Maxwell b Coulter-Nile 0
1
1
0
0
0.00
TT Bresnan not out 1
5
1
0
0
100.00
CJ Jordan
Did not bat WB Rankin
not out