Will Jacks insists England are treating their remaining tri-series fixtures as a mini World Cup, with the team backed into a corner following opening defeats against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
England initially appeared poised to bounce back from an 87-run hammering by Pakistan when they faced Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. Harry Brook produced a historic, record-breaking innings of 202, powering England to a colossal total of 430 to win. However, Sri Lanka pulled off a remarkable, high-scoring run chase, sealing victory on the penultimate ball of a thrilling encounter.
That narrow two-wicket defeat leaves England arriving in Lahore facing a severe test of character and resilience. They must secure victories against Pakistan on Sunday and against Sri Lanka on Thursday to retain any mathematical chance of reaching the final, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 31.
Reflecting on the predicament, Jacks pointed out that England encountered a remarkably similar scenario en route to their triumphant 2019 World Cup campaign. Looking further ahead to the 2027 global showcase in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, the all-rounder views the high-stakes pressure of the coming week as invaluable preparation for the squad.
"It’s my first tri-series and it replicates World Cup-style pressure," Jacks told the Press Association. "You can’t replicate that in training or a bilateral series. In World Cups you have to bounce back, I remember in 2019 when England lost a couple of games in the group and they had to win their last two against India and New Zealand, and they were able to do that to take the momentum forward into the semi-finals.
"I’m not saying it’s the same thing, but it’s a mini version of that and hopefully we can win on Sunday and move on. We have the opportunity to play in two must-win fixtures. Every game that we play is a stepping stone towards South Africa in 12 months’ time. Sometimes you learn more in losses than you do in wins. There’s always going to be bumps."
Jacks was part of a six-strong bowling attack that was subjected to heavy punishment by Sri Lanka’s batters during Thursday’s masterclass in Rawalpindi. Sam Curran, playing just his second match back following a significant period out due to groin surgery, stepped into the contest as the most experienced member of the bowling unit. Unfortunately, the conditions and relentless pressure took a heavy toll, as Curran finished with figures of 103 runs conceded from nine overs, marking the most expensive bowling performance in an One-Day International by an England player.
Defending his teammate, Jacks highlighted the mental and physical hurdles of returning from major surgery while operating under immense pressure.
"I’ve been through operations and it’s always a bit tense playing your first few games and keeping your fingers crossed that your body holds up and you get into the game," Jacks said. "They were incredibly hard conditions to bowl in for any bowler and he bowls a lot of pressure overs – that’s his role in the team. He’s been so successful with that for England over a number of years.
"There are some days where it doesn’t quite work. If they’re going to chase 430 then someone’s going to have to get some tap, but it’s more of a bowling unit problem that we lost that game."
While the bowling attack has inevitably come under intense scrutiny following back-to-back defeats, Jacks remains firm in his belief that England have uncovered the "perfect batting template" moving forward. That blueprint was spearheaded by his close friend and teammate Harry Brook, who recorded the all-time fastest ODI double-hundred, becoming the first-ever England men’s player to reach the magical 200-run milestone in the fifty-over format.
Jacks, who was stationed at the non-striker’s end when Brook reached the landmark, described the unique privilege of witnessing the record-breaking innings firsthand from the pitch.
"From when I went in, he was on 90, so to see him get to a hundred and then a double hundred – which we didn’t even really think about until the last two overs – was amazing," Jacks added. "He’s someone I’ve played a lot of cricket with and to be at the other end and have the best seat was really special, I loved it."
England will now shift their complete focus to the upcoming challenge in Lahore as they look to turn their fortunes around and keep their tri-series campaign alive.
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