5 things we learned from England’s Twenty20 series against Australia

England kept up their winning run this summer with a 2-1 success over Australia in the three-match Twenty20 series. The hosts spent two days as world number ones in the format before being leapfrogged again by their rivals but would have stayed at the summit had they managed to seal a whitewash.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the key lessons they can take from the contest.

Buttler must open

Rashid key in India

When England won the World Cup on home soil last year, leg-spinner Adil Rashid was more of a supporting act than a leading man but next time there is silverware on the line expect him to be thrust to the fore. With this year’s T20 World Cup in Australia postponed, the tournament will next be contested on the turning tracks of India next October. Rashid was England’s most economical bowler against Australia – going at just 6.25 an over – and took more wickets than any bowler from either side, with six. His ripping googly to dismiss Aaron Finch was a reminder that he is their X-factor option when there is spin to be found.

Pace pair must be managed well

Depth chart has been challenged

Inclusive England a lesson to all