The Bangabandu stadium in Dhaka, where Pakistan once played Test cricket in the days of East and West Pakistan, was introduced to modern cricket watchers during the Mini World Cup. And international cricket has for some time now been played in Sharjah and Toronto. There were even plans to stage a tournament in Disney World, Florida, until the idea was scrapped. There is a place, therefore, for the one-day game outside World Cups. If they are to be judged in their proper context, however, the result should be an aside to the context.
Entertainment comes first, long-term planning comes next.
And please, please let the sort of three-match series that England are involved in at the moment come before not after the corresponding Test series. It was like being served tomato soup after the cigars and port. Sri Lanka gain one-day revenge Links to top England on Tour stories are at the foot of the page.