Captain Michael Vaughan believes England's dramatic victory over West Indies in their final World Cup game may have a bearing on their forthcoming Test series against each other.
Vaughan claimed his first half-century of the tournament as England successfully chased down West Indies' total of 300 to claim a one-wicket win at a packed Kensington Oval in a match which marked Duncan Fletcher's last game as England coach and Brian Lara's last international outing.
It was a victory which came too late for England's hopes of reaching the last four for the first time since 1992, but Vaughan believes it was animportant victory to set the tone for the four-match Test series starting at Lord's on May 17.
By then England will be guided by new coach Peter Moores and Vaughan stressed: "What was important today was that we know we play West Indies in a few weeks' time and they are going to be very similar sides and we wanted to get one-up on them going into that Test series.
"I know it's a one-day game but we wanted to take a look at their players and we wanted to play well.
"I know Peter will bring new ideas to the table, but there are a few young players who have been in this World Cup who have brought something positive from it.
"They need to be given a lot of opportunities leading into the ICC Trophy and the next World Cup and that's going to be a real test for the way this one-day team is developed."
Vaughan hit a superb 79 off 68 balls to get England off to a flying start and Hampshire's Kevin Pietersen hit 100 off 91 deliveries - the first time England have won when he has scored a century in a one-day international.
Paul Nixon also contributed with a defiant 38 off 39 balls and Vaughan conceded: "We realise we haven't played to our potential in this World Cup.
"At stages today we showed what a side we can be, but there were stages today when we also showed we're a bit rough around the edges as well.
"It's disappointing not to get through to the semi-finals but I guess that's been the best game of the World Cup in front of a big crowd and a great atmosphere so we're proud to be involved in that."
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