It may only be one game but the Rockets look like they could be a force this year.
Every facet of their game was on point with plans executed superbly as they swept aside Phoenix at Edgbaston.
A power-packed Phoenix top-order was taken apart as the pace bowlers got the new ball swinging – David Willey bowling Ben Duckett before Ferguson pinned Aneurin Donald lbw with a brilliant in-swinging yorker.
Even as Livingstone and Clarke rebuilt for the hosts, the Rockets bowlers stuck to their plans with the seamers using slower balls into the pitch to good effect to keep the run-rate in check.
It left them with a modest chase, the kind of thing Root is perfect for but his early departure gave Banton and Rehan a chance to shine.
Neither are accumulators in the style of England’s all-time leading run-scorer but they were smart in when they chose to unleash their blistering attacking shots as they broke the back of the chase.
With Marcus Stoinis, Willey and Hose also in the line-up there is no shortage of power in the Rockets line-up, while in Root and Max Holden there is nous too.
They will face tougher challenges but the early signs are good for Andy Flower’s side.
