England report card: five areas to focus on before the Ashes series next winter | Rob Smyth

Despite the 4-0 Test series defeat in India, only minor surgery is required for a squad that has lost none of its thrilling potential

England are still a collection of richly talented individuals: exhilarating and deadly on their day but prone to batting collapses and missed opportunities. They did a lot of good things during the series against India and deserve enormous admiration for not allowing their spirit to break in the face of a sadistic itinerary and an unavoidable hammering. Despite a 4-0 defeat, they need only minor surgery.

The good news for their weary players is that they do not return to the subcontinent until a trip to Sri Lanka in 2018-19. They had a bespoke team structure for this winter but can now concentrate on a more traditional lineup before next winter’s Ashes. It is not hyperopia to focus on Australia because the main event of next summer’s Test programme, against South Africa, will be a very similar challenge. The number of all-rounders complicates matters, as selection decisions become interlinked in a way that is not usually the case. Having so many all-rounders may be a weakness disguised as a strength, as it discourages specialisation, particularly in batting and spin bowling. Those are two of five basic areas that England will consider over the next few months.

Related: Alastair Cook to consider future of England captaincy after India rout

Related: England end series on sorry note as fifth Test collapse gives India 4-0 win

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