After 29 years, England saves Bangladesh from an ’embarrassing record’

The England cricket team is currently experiencing a challenging patch in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Having lost the first two matches of the ongoing series against New Zealand, they had effectively handed over the series. However, the third match brought a new, highly embarrassing record for the English top order, while inadvertently freeing Bangladesh from a long-standing ignominy.

World Record Set by England

Across the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, England’s top four batsmen struggled disastrously, accumulating a mere 84 runs combined over the three matches. This unfortunate performance established a new world record for the lowest combined runs by a team’s top four batsmen across three consecutive matches in any series or tournament.

Bangladesh Freed from 29-Year-Old Record

This new record ended a 29-year-old record previously held by Bangladesh. During the 1988 Asia Cup, Bangladesh’s top four batsmen managed a combined total of 89 runs across three consecutive matches. England’s latest collapse has now broken that record, liberating the Tigers from an embarrassing mark that had stood since the late 1980s.

Strategic Change Fails

In a bid to reverse the situation, England promoted Harry Brook from number five to number four in the third ODI. Brook had earlier scored 135 and 34 in the first two matches, making him a candidate to strengthen the top order. Unfortunately, the tactic failed as Brook managed only 6 runs, returning to the pavilion before England could avoid setting this lowest-runs record.

Top Four Batting Performance Across Three ODIs

This record highlights England’s ongoing struggles in the series and emphasises the need for urgent adjustments at the top of the batting order. Meanwhile, Bangladesh fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief, seeing a 29-year-old record pass into history.