What England did wrong and the ugly aftermath of ICC Champions Trophy exit

Early Signs Of Concern

England’s fortunes took an ugly turn when they were drubbed 3-0 in the ODI series that followed. That performance was evidence that England may have a tough group in the Champions Trophy, particularly against Afghanistan, whose spinners are some of the best in the world themselves.

Kevin Pietersen Blasts England’s Practice Sessions

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen suggested that England disrespected the conditions by not practicing in the lead-up to the ODI series against India, apart from Joe Root. Those comments were vehemently denied by coach Brendon McCullum.

“There isn’t a single sportsman on this planet who can honestly say, that they’d improve without practicing whilst they’re getting beaten. There also cannot be one player in that England side that can sit on the plane leaving India and saying to themselves, they did everything they can to try help England win," Pietersen said on air.

Losses In Champions Trophy

England actually started the Champions Trophy well, putting on 351 in their opening game against Australia. Ben Duckett scored 165 in an innings filled with spirit and class. It was the chase in which England lacked any decisiveness on a placid pitch.

In the second match against Afghanistan, England did plenty right after conceding a hefty 320-plus score. In the chase, Root dominated with a classy 120 off 111 balls but typical of their last 6 months in ODI cricket, the middle and top order were guilty of hitting the ball in the air lackadaisically.

Buttler Quits As ODI Captain

In the inevitable result of England’s defeat, Jos Buttler resigned as captain of the white-ball team. He will lead England one last time in their last match against South Africa. That was the first pin to fall in what could be a long list of disastrous outcomes for members of England’s set-up.

"It was quite clear that this tournament was going to be important: results-wise and for my captaincy," Buttler said. "Two losses and being out of the tournament, a bit of a hangover of tournaments before. I'd just reached the end of the road for me and my captaincy, which is a shame and I'm sad about that.