\n<\/p>\n
McCullum finds himself in a tricky spot.<\/p>\n
Morgan’s rebuild was remarkable, it progressed all of the way to Lord’s in 2019, but it began at a distinct path, with England playing dull, dated cricket.<\/p>\n
The requirements were clear – pick younger, more ambitious players available in county cricket but not selected. The present-day route is far less obvious.<\/p>\n
Initially, McCullum must decide if these are good players under-performing.<\/p>\n
Debate can be had over Liam Dawson, who should have been in Pakistan as all-rounder and second spin option, but there are few other glaring omissions. <\/p>\n
Would the 35-year-old left-arm spinner have made this side semi-finalists? You are always a better player when away from the spotlight.<\/p>\n
Livingstone looks to be fighting for his ODI future and Salt is under pressure after a tournament in which he has averaged 10 but the rest of the top seven – Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler and, to a lesser extent given his poor showing here, Smith – still looks a fearsome line-up on paper.<\/p>\n
In contrast, the bowling needs work and McCullum hinted at regrets over the limited, pace-heavy approach employed in Pakistan.<\/p>\n
“Obviously, our gameplan was to try and bring fast bowling over here, try to stock our batting and give ourselves that sort of conviction and that method,” McCullum said.<\/p>\n
“We may not have got it totally right this time but you’ve got to have conviction in something.”<\/p>\n
His side’s new-ball economy rate is currently the most expensive in the world, their powerplay threat only better than Zimbabwe, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates and their middle-over record in Pakistan their worst at a major tournament.<\/p>\n
It leaves plenty of room for improvement.<\/p>\n
But with Jofra Archer on a three-year contract and Mark Wood lauded wholesale change does not look likely.<\/p>\n
Hampshire quick Sonny Baker – the 21-year-old quick who impressed for the Lions this winter – is one on the radar, while there is still hope Josh Hull could be the left-armer England so desperately require but otherwise, England will rebuild with the players seen here, meaning other gains will have to be made.<\/p>\n
It is three months and 23 days since England lined up with a top seven of Salt, Will Jacks, Jordan Cox, Bethell, Livingstone, Sam Curran and Dan Mousely. Greater consistency in selection would be a good place to start.<\/p>\n
That will be aided by the fact McCullum is now in charge of both red and white-ball teams, meaning there is no longer a tussle between two coaches with two different priorities.<\/p>\n
Difficulties will still appear with the New Zealander keen to promote multi-format regulars rather than white-ball specialists, which will leave a winter featuring an Ashes series flanked by white-ball trips to New Zealand and Sri Lanka to be balanced with great care.<\/p>\n
McCullum is now England’s man for all seasons, who has sparked a rebuild twice before – first in Wellington and then with the Test side.<\/p>\n
His third act may be his most difficult.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n