News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

England have defeat New Zealand 3-2 to win a brilliant One-Day International series.

From the record-breaking opening match all the way through to the rain-soaked conclusion it was a brilliant, engaging series that was settled by Jonny Bairstow's 83* at Chester-Le-Street.

And with the latest "new era" of English cricket, we thought we'd grade the England players who made it so special.

Jason Roy

(Image: Getty)

One of the most explosive batsmen around, it's curious to see Roy's strike-rate below 100.

Like fellow newbie Sam Billings he never pushed on beyond 50 despite some helpful scores and it would seem harsh to drop him for the Australia series. He has the personality to take the game to the Aussies.

Grade: C+

Alex Hales

(Image: Getty)

The partnership with Roy was long overdue but the two didn't see anything like enough time as a partnership.

For the first time in years though, England have an aggressive, modern opening pairing that promises much for the future. An average of 33 and good strike-rate provides a platform to build on.

Grade: B

Joe Root

(Image: Getty)

A young lad quickly becoming a world-class performer.

The heir to the England captaincy, two centuries in this series and loads more besides - it's been a good summer so far for the Yorkshireman.

Grade: A-

Eoin Morgan

(Image: Getty)

Not even a first-baller in the 5th ODI could see him overtaken as England's leading runscorer and the skipper was superb both with the bat and in the field, making the decisions that count.

One ton, three half-centuries and SIXTEEN sixes (over twice as many as anyone else) is an astonishing record. All hail Eoin Morgan.

Grade: A

Ben Stokes

(Image: Getty)

Freddie Flintoff's heir? No, he's far more talented than that. If Stokes can add the same force of personality to his game then he will be England's answer both in the middle-order and with the ball for many years to come.

A fine series where he ends as England's top wicket-taker and also averaging 35 with the bat.

Grade: A-

Jonny Bairstow

(Image: Action)

He only came in for the final match, but played a star turn in digging England out of a hole

A brilliant innings from another talented Yorkshireman.

Grade: A

Jos Buttler

(Image: Action Images via Reuters / Philip Brown)

He may have only played three innings but Buttler cemented his reputation as one of the most explosive young players about. The Lancashire keeper-batsman blistered a memorable 129 at Edgbaston to light the fuse on the series.

Grade: B

Sam Billings

(Image: Stu Forster)

A vital 41 in the final game improves his figures but he remains, at best, England's third-choice keeper-batsman in this form of the game.

That is not to put him down though, and time remains on his side.

Grade: C

David Willey

(Image: Stu Forster/Getty)

Expensive, but it was an expensive sort of series and he acquitted himself well for a first taste of international cricket.

Not much from the bat but his variation and seven wickets should afford him another chance in the ODI squad.

Grade: B-

Adil Rashid

(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty)

Rashid averaged nearly 40 with the bat and only Ben Stokes took more wickets.

He may have ended up as England's most expensive bowler but on economy he was cheaper than everyone except Mark Wood and Trent Boult.

A real all-rounder and finally fulfilling the promise we've heard about for so many years, especially with a crucial 12* to help England secure the series in Durham.

Grade: A

Mark Wood

(Image: Getty)

The most economical bowler in the series but only a couple of wickets to show for some good, tight spells.

We saw plenty to think he could be in the England setup for the rest of the summer and beyond, in any form.

Grade: B-

Chris Jordan

(Image: Julian Finney)

Lost his place in the team after picking up a knock.

Grade: D

Liam Plunkett

(Image: Tom Shaw)

Injured after getting hoiked around The Oval, his gutsy 44 there failed to make up for a lack of wickets and some expensive overs.

Grade: D

Steven Finn

(Image: PA Wire)

We have finally, nearly, got Steven Finn back. After years of over-tinkering, struggling with his action and trying to get back into the international picture, that 4-35 at Edgbaston really felt like a turning point.

His sights will be set on the Ashes. Trevor Bayliss has a decision to make...

Grade: B