England’s batting in disarray with latest failure but speedster sends scary Ashes warning

England’s ODI batters are enduring a miserable time in New Zealand as Harry Brook’s side slumped to a series defeat off the back of a second straight disastrous batting display.

England, who have lost four of their last five ODIs, were dismissed for just 175 in 36 overs in game two on Wednesday afternoon in Hamilton, and the hosts romped to a five-wicket victory with 101 balls to spare with Daryl Mitchell (56* off 59 balls) and skipper Mitchell Santner (34* off 17) seeing them home.

It was the second straight match in which England were bowled out in less than 37 overs, but there was a silver lining with the ball as Jofra Archer made an impressive return to the side with a three-wicket haul.

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The speedster trapped New Zealand opener Will Young lbw for a duck in the first over of the run chase, and he later came back to dismiss Young’s opening partner Rachin Ravindra (54) before also taking the scalp of all-rounder Michael Bracewell (5).

Archer bowled two fiery five-over spells to yield figures of 3/23, including four maidens, which no doubt would have the English hierarchy licking their lips ahead of the Ashes.

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Coach Brendon McCullum could be forgiven for being worried about their batting, however.

Brook’s breathtaking knock in Mount Maunganui - where the England captain smashed 11 sixes in an innings of 135 from 101 balls to lift his side to a somewhat competitive total of 223 - saved face in the series opener.

Although, there was no one to paper over the cracks this time around as No. 8 Jamie Overton top scored for the visitors with 42 from 28 deliveries.

Brook (34) and Joe Root (25) the only other members of the English team to pass 20.

For the Black Caps, fast bowler Blair Tickner was the destroyer, snaring 4/34 from eight overs after coming into the side for Matt Henry, who was sidelined with a calf strain.

It marked a memorable return to the ODI side for Tickner, having last featured two years ago.

Nathan Smith (2/27) was the only other multiple wicket-taker as the hosts shared the wickets between their six bowlers.

The blame for most of the dismissals lay with England’s batters, however.

Jacob Duffy found the outside edge of Ben Duckett’s (1) bat with the new ball, while Root was strangled down the leg side off the bowling of Tickner.

Wicket-keeper batter Jamie Smith (13) threw away a start, caught at point when trying to launch over mid-wicket.

So too did Jacob Bethell (18), who was caught at deep backward square leg immediately after a drinks break.

Brook died by the sword as he tried to counter-attack, caught by a diving Will Young at point after slashing at the left arm spin of Santner.

Jos Buttler (9), meanwhile, played across the line and was out lbw off Smith.

The lower order offered resistance to scrap to 175 as they were 5/81 when Buttler departed.

It is a different format, and different coloured Kookaburra, but Australia’s bowling attack would like what they have seen so far from their Ashes rivals across the Tasman.

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