Picking Craig Kieswetter is not the answer for England

England may think otherwise by the weekend but for now they have much for which to thank Dale Steyn. Had he not produced one of the most compelling of all Twenty20 bowling spells, England’s match against Sri Lanka tomorrow would be a visit to the last chance saloon — were such a journey possible in downtown Chittagong.

As it is, Steyn’s scintillating fast bowling, which gave South Africa victory against New Zealand, has opened up group one in the World Twenty20. England’s need to beat Sri Lanka, one of the tournament favourites, is still considerable but they have a smidgen of latitude. It may, who knows, relieve some of the pressure.

Apart from the received opinion that anything can happen in T20 — for evidence see Steyn’s last three overs which included 11 dot balls as the Kiwis homed in on their target — it is difficult to see how a moderate England can defeat an inform and outstanding Sri Lanka.

England must mull over whether to change a losing side, Sri Lanka will not be tempted to alter a winning one.

The player most at risk is Alex Hales, until recently ranked as the world’s leading T20 batsman, but he is badly lacking form and could be exposed against Sri Lanka’s spinners.

England should consider replacing him with Ian Bell, who is superior both as stylist and technician, though would be on a hiding to nothing.

Were Craig Kieswetter, who has just flown in to replace the injured Luke Wright, to be selected it would smack of desperation and panic.