‘500 is a realistic target for us’

England pacer Mark Wood believes that the current one-day team is capable of becoming the first one to ever post a total of 500.

England are the No.1-ranked ODI team and possess the deepest batting line-up in the modern-day game. They have also transformed into an unstoppable run-amassing machine since revamping their team with the addition of limited-overs specialists four years ago.

They are holders of the two highest totals in ODI cricket – 481/6 against Australia and 444/3 against Pakistan, both in Nottingham. They have shown similar form in the lead-up to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019, racking up 373/3 in the second ODI of their ongoing series against Pakistan, and mowing down a 359-run target with 31 balls to spare in the following game.

“That [500] is a realistic target for our one-day team,” Wood said. “It’s almost normal to get 350; 400 is easily gettable. We truly believe we can chase down high scores, no matter what the opposition get.”

Wood featured in England’s third ODI against Pakistan and picked up two wickets. Before the game, he had said: “I feel in good rhythm. In terms of being 100%, I’ve not played any matches lately, so I’m still missing a little bit of match fitness,” Wood said.

“I feel fit and strong, and in good rhythm in practice, but there’s nothing like a game when you are under pressure and you need that extra adrenaline. I can’t wait to get out there and try to win the series.”