Return of fast bowler to this year’s Test series may allow England’s failed strategy in Pakistan to come good

England arrived in Pakistan thinking pace was the play, but they left with masala omelette on their faces. Attacks with more variety and left‑arm angles have largely prospered in this Champions Trophy, while Jos Buttler’s team – the worst of the eight on show with nil points – found their exclusively right‑arm attack struggled for a collective impact.

Contrary to the image of the management team, this was underpinned by more than just vibes and buzzwords. During the 2023 World Cup in India, the research told them, the teams which sent down the highest percentage of deliveries faster than 84mph were the most successful, with India (68%) and Australia (61%) the two finalists. England were seventh here – just 33% balls north of the mark – and duly finished seventh overall.