Shock defeat can serve as timely wake-up call, believes Jonny Bairstow

On Tuesday, England hunted down a steep target of 305 in Mumbai, against a home XI packed with internationals and led by the mercurial Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

But less than 48 hours later they were served a reality check by what was, on paper, a considerably weaker opponent who nevertheless dismissed the tourists for 282 and romped home by six wickets with 62 balls remaining.

Bairstow top-scored with a fluent 64 at No 3, but was merely keeping the position warm for Yorkshire club-mate Joe Root, who arrived in the early hours of the morning and will return for the first one-day international.

England will surely be better for his presence in the top order, but Bairstow insisted their defeat at the historic Brabourne Stadium was a well-timed nudge rather than anything more profound.

“It’s probably a good thing it’s happened here and not next time in Pune, it gives us a chance to refocus and it’s kind of a kick in the backside,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s too much concern. As a side we’ve been doing well and scoring 300 pretty regularly. Perhaps it was a little blip, but there’s nothing to really worry about. Hopefully it kicks us into gear for next week.”

There are certainly players in the camp who go into the opener short of their best, notably captain Eoin Morgan.

He played a blinder on his last appearance for Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Big Bash, making 71 not out and smashing a last-ball six to defeat Melbourne Stars, but has made three runs in two innings since touching down in India. The 30-year-old was well caught on three as he returned to England colours for the first time since missing the tour of Bangladesh with safety concerns and followed up with a golden duck, chipping a soft return to Shahbaz Nadeem.

“Morgs is coming off the Big Bash and it’s only two knocks ago he won the game out there for the Thunder,” said a supportive Bairstow.

“I don’t think it’s a worry, but naturally he’ll want to come out in that first game, make a big impression and pile on some runs.”

There was little cheer among the bowling unit either, Chris Woakes going wicketless for the second match in a row and key spinner Adil Rashid struggling to find a consistent length.

Again, Bairstow sounded an upbeat note, but when England reconvene for nets in Pune today, coach Trevor Bayliss will be looking for improvement.

“I don’t think there’s anything to harp on about with the bowling,” added Bairstow. “Generally the bowling has been pretty good and you’re going to have little off days, the same with the bat.”

England may surmise with some regret that their two top scorers to date do not feature in the first-choice XI. Sam Billings made 93 on Tuesday standing in for Root, then made way for Bairstow, who outscored his colleagues too.

It is hard to see a way into the team for either at present, unless a gamble is taken by dropping a bowler. “If Rooty’s back, Rooty plays,” conceded Bairstow. “There’s no decision to be made there to be quite honest.”

Meanwhile, England Test captain Alastair Cook will meet director of cricket Andrew Strauss today, but it is understood there will be no decision on his future.

Cook suggested after the side’s 4-0 defeat in India before Christmas that he would take time to consider his future after four years at the helm.

It was thought the 32-year-old would present his decision to Strauss at their post-series debrief, but the England and Wales Cricket Board do not now expect a final verdict.

While there is an undeniable media interest in resolving the situation, Cook’s bosses at Lord’s are said to be relaxed about his stately approach.

They have set no firm deadline and are happy to plan for summer series against South Africa and the West Indies with no change at the top.