England's one-day cricket squad has been hailed as the best the country has ever had, on the eve of the five-match series against the West Indies.
The series starts at Old Trafford today (September 19th), with Jonny Bairstow being promoted to opener after the returning Jason Roy was out first ball in England's 21-run defeat to the West Indies in the sole Twenty20 encounter at Chester-le-Street.
Speaking in their weekly BBC Radio Five Live show, former England stars Michael Vaughan and Phil Tufnell praised the team, with Vaughan, who captained the side in the 2007 World Cup, saying the current side is "the best England one-day group we've had".
The pair discussed the strengths of the team, including the huge batting depth that the side possesses, although Vaughan suggested the side could be improved by better bowling in the middle overs, a point the England one-day captain Eoin Morgan also touched on in his interview for the programme.
Vaughan suggested that the ability to produce more variety was a key element in Pakistan's surprise victory in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.
The pair also discussed the possibility that big performances by certain players could help them win a place in the Ashes touring party, which will be announced at the end of the month.
Fans booking corporate hospitality for the fourth one-day international at the Kia Oval next Wednesday (September 27th) may be watching closely with this in mind, as players like Alex Hales could strengthen their claims with some big scores. Hales struggled as a Test opener, but has been playing county cricket as a middle order player this season with plenty of success and may find his way into the side.
The spin department will also be the focus of attention, with leg spinners Mason Crane and Adil Rashid hoping to make the trip down under.
After Old Trafford, the sides meet at Trent Bridge and the County Ground in Bristol before the Kia Oval encounter. The series will conclude on September 29th at the Ageas Bowl.
Image: Getty, from Keith Prowse subscription