England ended their lean spell in the 50-over format with a dominant 132-run win in the second one-day international in Bangladesh on Friday to seal a first ODI series triumph in almost nine months.
The current 50-over world champions had lost three of their last four series, with the other drawn, to slip to fourth in the world rankings but have rediscovered the winning feeling at the earliest opportunity on their tour of Bangladesh.
After grinding out a three-wicket success in the opener last Wednesday, the Three Lions were wholly more convincing in the second ODI to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, ahead of Monday's finale.
That latest success has seen the tourists installed as even stronger favourites in the To Win the Match betting at 4/11, with Bangladesh on offer at 11/5 to grab a confidence-boosting win ahead of the three-match Twenty20 series, which starts on Thursday.
| What | Bangladesh v England, second ODI |
| Where | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong |
| When | 06.00, Monday 6th March 2023 |
| How to watch | Sky Sports Main Event & Cricket |
| Odds | Bangladesh 11/5, England 4/11 |
England hope corner has been turned
England's white-ball game has been in stark contrast to that of their red-ball fare over the last 12 months or so, with both formats adjusting to their respective new hierarchies, and it has taken a while for Jos Buttler to stamp a winning mark on the ODI side.
The powerful wicketkeeper-batter did of course lead England to T20 World Cup glory last year, but things have taken longer to get going in the 50-over format, not helped by form and fitness of key players as well as the rest and rotation of others.
However, this series could be the catalyst for a big year which culminates with the World Cup in India, set to get underway in October.
Although beating the side ranked seventh in the ODI standings may not sound like a lot, Bangladesh have won 12 of their last 13 home ODI series, which includes overcoming top dogs India in December.
They have also triumphed in six of their last seven series anywhere, winning in South Africa, where England failed most recently.
Buttler's men now have the chance to inflict a first home whitewash on the Tigers since Sri Lanka's 3-0 success in 2014, which could be a big step towards a successful title defence at the end of the year.
Are Bangladesh too big?
Given the recent history of both sides, there looks to be value in supporting the hosts at 11/5 against a side who of course have not been firing on all cylinders, even if it is just to claim a consolation in a series defeat.
England may well freshen things up in their bowling attack with Reece Topley set for a first appearance of the tour, while Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes will be hoping for a recall - either or both of Sam Curran and Mark Wood could be rested.
However, the batting will be weaker, in theory, as Will Jacks has been ruled out of the rest of the tour and there are no replacements on hand.
Sri Lanka were on the wrong end of a superb innings from Dawid Malan in the nip-and-tuck opener, although they will obviously have to improve on the second ODI, in which Jason Roy and Buttler found their batting form to smash their side on the path to victory.
However, the price does seem on the big side for a side that has not been losing at home and has a point to prove.
The venue has changed to the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong for this one, and Bangladesh did beat England by two wickets there in 2011.
However, England triumphed by 45 runs in 2010 and by four wickets in their last match there in 2016, while it is worth noting that India's sole success in December's 2-1 defeat was by a whopping 227 runs at this ground after racking up 409-8.
Shakib al Hasan top-scored for his side in what was a very one-sided defeat that day and, after repeating the feat in Friday's second ODI, he may be one to keep on side at 15/4 in the Team - Top Batter betting, in a line-up that has struggled to get going.
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Erratic Roy worth taking on
Roy has endured a difficult run of form over the last 12 months, but Friday's innings of 132 off 124 balls was another reminder of his capabilities with the bat in hand, as he looks to cement his place in the team ahead of the World Cup.
It was his second ODI century in four innings while it was his 12th for England, moving him to joint-third in the Three Lions' all-time list behind Eoin Morgan and Joe Root.
However, critics will point to his glaringly inconsistent performances, having reached double figures in just three of his last eight innings, and his erratic form makes him vulnerable as the 10/3 favourite to be Team - Top Batter.
Malan scored a superb undefeated century in the opener when the going was difficult and is justifiably towards the top of the betting at 7/2, but Buttler's fine innings of 76 on Friday was an indication of him returning to the top of his game.
The England captain struck 36, 94 not out and 131 in his three innings in South Africa and, forgetting his blip in the first ODI in Mirpur, he is certainly worthy of consideration at 4/1, with Phil Salt and James Vince having struggled for runs further up the order.
On the bowling front, it may pay to wait for England to confirm their team, but leg-spinner Adil Rashid has standout claims at 3/1 to finish as Team - Top Bowler, having taken six wickets in the opening two matches, returning figures of 4-45 on Friday.
