England have been their own worst enemies in the one-day series against Australia.

Poor shot selection and execution, dodgy running and ineffective bowling and fielding have all added up to a hefty defeat well before the seven-match series is complete.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to see how England can turn matters around quickly, and they already look long-shots for the Champions Trophy in South Africa, which starts on September 24.

Skipper Andrew Strauss is not helped by the extended absences of Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff through injury – but even without their two biggest assets, England should still be capable of putting out a team that is competitive.

It isn’t simply about ability, though. Confidence is as important as anything in competitions where games come thick and fast.

The Twenty20 Cup has shown that teams can quickly build momentum with matches coming every other day – or lose their way completely if a couple of results go against them.

One thing is for sure, though, whatever score Australia eventually win the series by, it will not cast a shadow over England’s Ashes success which preceded the glut of one-dayers.

If you doubt that, put the boot on the other foot. How many England supporters would have been appeased with a 7-0 one-day whitewash in the face of a 2-1 Ashes reverse?

England’s form in one-day cricket has been well short of what it should have been. But there was only ever one target this summer, regaining the Ashes. For no other reason, England’s domestic season has been a successful one.

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The County Cup final may have developed into something of a mis-match as Lutterworth overpowered Newbold Verdon.

However, there was still plenty of good cricket from both sides at Grace Road – and an excellent crowd to watch proceedings.

Given their Premier Division status, Lutterworth ought to have dominated – and they did not disappoint in that respect, going about their business in style as man- of-the-match Olly Pickering and Craig Wilson stole the batting honours with punishing half-centuries.

At 35-5 chasing a target of 248, Newbold could have capitulated inside 20 overs. Neal and Paul Bateman decided otherwise, though, and a 21-over stand of 96 restored face.

Paul produced a fine knock of 66 and he looked a very good player, striking the ball cleanly to the boundary on 11 occasions – and over the ropes for one six.

The standing ovation he received as he walked back to the pavilion was thoroughly deserved and gave him and his club a marvellous memory to take away from the County Ground, even if the trophy was in the safe hands of Lutterworth skipper Karl Smith.