When used in a cricket context, the words “37 degrees” generally trigger thoughts of scorching summer days. But Cricket Australia are hopeful that used in a technical sense, 37 degrees could form part of the solution as Australia try to bridge the gap in big-hitting ahead of next year’s World Cup.

The chasm between Australia and one-day international world No. 1 England was laid bare in June as the tourists were whitewashed in a five-match ODI series, a year out from the World Cup in England and Wales. While the difference in all facets of the game was substantial, England’s batting firepower was particularly noteworthy, with the hosts’ force underscored by a world record total of 6-481 in the third game at Trent Bridge.

Australia couldn't match England's firepower in the recent one-day series. Credit:PA

The disparity between the sides was not particularly surprising given the absence of David Warner and Steve Smith through suspension, and Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood to injury. But even with all five playing when the sides met on Australian soil earlier this year, England were still far superior, winning a five-match series 4-1.

In the first three games of that series Australia posted scores of 270 or more, but were still well beaten, highlighting that par in ODIs is no longer what it used to be.