England completed their World Cup preparations with a nine-wicket thrashing of Afghanistan at The Oval.
On the ground where they will open the tournament against South Africa on Thursday, the hosts dismissed Afghanistan for 160, then chased the target in only 17.3 overs.
At one stage Afghanistan found themselves 92-8 thanks to loose shots, poor running and the pace of Jofra Archer (3-32).
The hitting of Mohammad Nabi, who made 44 and added 33 for the last wicket with Dawlat Zadran, at least gave the noisy Afghan fans something to cheer.
But that was put in the shade by the incredible strokeplay of England openers Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy.
They added 77 at a rate of more than 10 an over before Bairstow was stumped off Nabi’s off-spin for 39.
Roy continued, bludgeoning his way to 89 not out from 46 balls, finishing a match that lasted just 56.1 overs with his fourth six.
It completed a day full of good news for England. Not only did the scan of Mark Wood’s left ankle confirm that he will be fit to face South Africa, but captain Eoin Morgan and spinner Adil Rashid returned after respective finger and shoulder injuries.
Little went right for England in Southampton on Saturday. Not only were they beaten by Australia, but at one point their injury list had grown to such an extent that coach Paul Collingwood was required to field.
Just as then, this game did not have one-day international status, but that is where the comparisons end.
England comprehensively outplayed admittedly inferior opposition and received a triple fitness boost.
Rashid bowled six overs, Morgan was fit to bat and Wood bowled on the outfield before the match began. Chris Woakes, who did not bowl against Australia, returned five overs of his own.
