England vs Pakistan: 4 things we learned from the recently concluded ODI series

The ICC Cricket World Cup is on its way and it is fair to say the cricket enthusiasts look up to this as a festive period that shall be celebrated with joy, thrill, and lots of drama. The quadrennial tournament is an enticing event that captures the attention of millions courtesy of its rich history and plethora of memorable moments.

The upcoming edition will be the 12th one and is set to be hosted by England and Wales. The hosts managed to inflict a 4-0 series defeat over Pakistan as they conquered the subcontinent giants in the recently concluded ODI series.

The series had its share of exciting moments as the fans were treated to a spectacular portrayal of cricket. With the series done and dusted, the next stop is the ICC Cricket World Cup.

All the teams participating in the World Cup would have kept a keen eye on this series as it was the last one to be played on English soil before the big dance.

Here we list down the 4 things we learned from the recently concluded ODI series between England and Pakistan:

#4 Pakistan lack balance

England v Pakistan - 5th Royal London ODI

It is fair to say that the Pakistan cricket fans won't be remembering this series fondly as their side suffered a humiliating series loss. The subcontinent giants failed to match the English team's attacking prowess as the hosts clinched the series in an emphatic manner.

What hurt Pakistan the most was the lack of consistency and above all the absence of proper balance in the side. Pakistan rarely troubled England, and if they are to put any solid challenge in the upcoming World Cup, then they need to sort things out because as of now, things aren't looking very promising for them.

The whole series turned out to be a nightmare for Pakistani bowlers as they were hammered by the English batsmen who scored 4 successive scores of 340+ and rarely looked in trouble.

Pakistan's bowling unit didn't receive any special support from the fielders as they constantly dropped big chances which in turn cost them this humiliating series loss right on the edge of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

#3 The World Cup will witness runs galore

England v Pakistan - 4th Royal London ODI

The game of cricket has evolved and it is no secret that the beautiful sport has come a long way ever since its inception. Recent times have seen a great hike in the runs department as teams have developed a playing style which enables them to score a plethora of runs -something which has completely revolutionalized the game.

A total of 300 was earlier considered as a match-winning effort but things aren't the same anymore, as the same total seems like a pretty achievable target to any chasing side. If recent trends are to be believed then the ICC Cricket World Cup is set to enthrall millions with plenty of runs.

All the top teams have managed to breach the 400-run mark and looking at the recent series between England and Pakistan, the records are in massive jeopardy of being broken this summer.

#2 The bowlers are in for a nightmare at the World Cup

England v Pakistan - 4th Royal London ODI

While we do emphasize on the batting style of players these days, it is important to note that the bowlers also play a very vital role in a team's success. It is the job of a bowler to help his team restrict the opposition by not allowing them to score massive totals.

Looking at the recent stats, it is quite evident that each and every bowling attack has failed to contain the opposition in England, which is why more and more bowlers have experienced a slight increase in their economy rate while playing in English conditions or anywhere in the world because of the evolution of the game.

England and Pakistan played 4 ODIs and both the teams conceded great amounts of runs, with the English side registering 4 successive totals of 340 or more. Pakistan too batted with flair as they too scored a plethora of runs throughout the series.

The numbers aren't suggesting anything favorable for the bowlers and considering the pitches in England, it may well prove to be a nightmare for the bowlers.

#1 England are firm favorites for the trophy

England v Pakistan - 5th Royal London ODI

England have come close to winning the World Cup on too many occasions but to their displeasure, the fact is that the creators of cricket have failed to lift the majestic World Cup even once in the history of this game.

That brings our attention to the upcoming edition which is being hosted by England and it is fair to say that the hosts are the most dominant unit on the planet right now and their display against Pakistan justified their 'favorites' tag.

England's strength lies in its balance and it is the reason why no score seems small for this English unit, simply because the team is extremely well prepared for every situation.

Players like Jason Roy, Jos Buttler, and Jonny Bairstow proved their mettle once again as England humbled Pakistan 4-0 at home.

With the World Cup being the next stop, this might be the best chance for England to break their jinx at the most prestigious stage in the world.