England's difficulties in the One Day International (ODI) format have been evident, with their inconsistencies proving detrimental in significant tournaments. A disappointing series against India earlier this month was succeeded by a catastrophic beginning to their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, during which they were unable to defend a substantial total of 351 against Australia. The road to the semifinals has become increasingly perilous following the rain-abandoned match between Australia and South Africa. England now confronts a critical encounter against Afghanistan, where a loss would result in their elimination from the tournament.

Former England fast bowler Darren Gough expressed his candid criticism of the team, particularly highlighting their absence of a coherent strategy with the ball. Despite having a pace attack characterized by raw speed, England has struggled to implement their plans effectively. Gough criticized the outdated reliance on short-pitched bowling and emphasized that contemporary ODI cricket necessitates greater adaptability.

"England, what can I say about England, it's so inconsistent. When they get it right, it's unbelievable to watch. With the ball, we don't seem to have a plan. We have three out-and-out fast bowlers. Gone are the days when you can just bowl short. We got found out in India. In the first match, 350 onboard should've been game over. They have to come back strong," Gough remarked in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times.

While England may find some comfort in having posted a formidable total, the circumstances reveal a less favorable narrative. Their runs were accumulated against an Australian attack that was missing its leading pace trio—Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood—significantly diminishing the strength of the opposition's bowling lineup.

Compounding their issues, England's bowlers failed to restrict an Australian batting lineup that was also without key players such as the injured Mitchell Marsh and the now-retired Marcus Stoinis. These evident deficiencies leave England with no margin for error as they prepare to face Afghanistan, where both their batting and bowling units must demonstrate significant improvement.

'Missing Stokes'

England's participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 has been significantly impacted by the absence of key players, most notably Ben Stokes. The prominent all-rounder, whose remarkable performances were pivotal in England's previous World Cup victories, is currently sidelined due to a left hamstring injury, creating a substantial void in the team's composition.

In Stokes' absence, England has struggled to maintain the stability he typically provides with both bat and ball. Gough emphasized the ramifications of Stokes' unavailability, drawing a parallel to India's difficulties when deprived of Hardik Pandya.

"The absence of Ben Stokes has been detrimental. He is an essential player – contributing in batting, bowling, and fielding. His lack of presence is akin to India being without Hardik Pandya. Without that crucial balance, England has faced challenges," he stated.

Stokes' adaptability offered England considerable depth in both batting and bowling, and their concerns were exacerbated when all-rounder Brydon Carse was also ruled out of the tournament due to a toe injury. In a bid to bolster their spin options, leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been brought in as his replacement.

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