Pretty much the same story for Plunkett it would seem. Got smacked around first match, 7.8 runs per over at Adelaide I believe but now he's got 6 for 20 in 3 games.
Now if this is what we can expect of Plunkett and Anderson on a regular basis then we're potentially looking at lethal ODI bowling options with Anderson, Plunkett, Lewis and Flintoff. I'd also bet on Panesar adapting his bowling to the ODI format, too. Having an economical wicket taking spinner would really be the icing on the cake as far as a lethal bowling line up goes. This is what we should be striving for.
Definitely agree with you that the team shouldnt be changed, unless conditions favour it. Never change a winning team.
I also found it incredible how having some runs at the top of the order seemed to give so much life to the lower order. Strauss was playing some outrageous shots in comparison to what hes been doing lately. Dalrymple was really giving it some welly too, I really enjoyed watching him make that 30.
5 of the 6 batsmen are now probably in the stages of being finalised. Joyce and Loye are probably going to open. Bell and KP are obviously dead certs. And if Vaughan is fit they will slot him in there. So it comes down to Strauss, Collingwood, Dalrymple and Bopara all fighting for the last place. Strauss doesnt bowl so he is absolutely 100% to lose a place, IMO, because they arent going to have just the 1 allrounder in Flintoff. They'll want another bits and pieces player like Collingwood, Dalrymple or Bopara.