The time is approaching when England must deliver in one-day cricket. Praise for their progress since the disastrous performance in the 2015 World Cup has been well deserved but such improvement will be memorable only if it delivers trophies.
As they began their one-day international against Pakistan at Southampton today, England know they are on the right track.
They have found an attacking opening partnership, an effective bowling unit and have players throughout the team who can hit sixes — or, in modern cricket speak, “clear the ropes from ball one”. They are also urgent and athletic in the field.
Yet there is plenty of talent — some new, some established — desperate to be part of it.
England have two 50-over tournaments on home soil in the next three years: the 2017 Champions Trophy and the World Cup in 2019. There will be no better opportunities for England to win a global 50-over competition, which they have never done.
Though they have a strong XI, England cannot rely solely on their main men.
Above, Standard Sport takes a look at five players who could force their way into the squad for the Champions Trophy.
