How can England make best use of Jonny Bairstow? Is Sam Curran NOW in the best XI? Five Super 8 puzzles to solve at the T20 World Cup

It was far from straightforward but England eventually made it to the Super 8 stage at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

With fixtures now pencilled in against South Africa, the USA and the West Indies, the goal for Jos Buttler's side is now to progress to the semi-finals.

Sportsmail takes a look at five puzzles England must solve in order to achieve that objective.

1. Can they contain West Indies and South Africa?

England bullied Oman and Namibia in Antigua, but their attack fared less well against Scotland and Australia in Barbados, conceding 291 in 30 overs.

St Lucia, where England play West Indies in the early hours on Thursday UK time, and South Africa on Friday, is one of the Caribbean's truest surfaces, and South Africa will be itching to break free after being stifled by New York's drop-in pitch.

West Indies, meanwhile, were due to get an early look at conditions at St Lucia's Daren Sammy Stadium against Afghanistan early on Tuesday morning. England's bowlers face a serious stress test.

2. Is Sam Curran NOW in the best XI?

It's not even two years since Curran was player of the match in the T20 World Cup final in Melbourne, and player of the tournament. He is due to collect an MBE when England fly home. But his first appearance here took place against Namibia only because the game had been shortened by rain, and he described his frustration at being sidelined as 'very difficult'.

Curran's left-arm variations seem better suited to slower pitches: against Namibia, he was England's tightest bowler after Reece Topley. But it could be a risk playing him in St Lucia.

3. What if Liam Livingstone isn't fit?

Despite tweaking his side against Namibia, Livingstone remained hopeful of making the West Indies game. If he doesn't, it could mean a reprieve for Will Jacks, who has been a peripheral figure, scoring 15 runs from 17 balls in two innings, and bowling one ill-fated over for 22 against Australia. But England value his six-hitting ability, and St Lucia could be the 'slugfest' Rob Key predicted. Even if Livingstone is available, Jacks might slot in at No 6, and Livingstone at No 7 — bad news for Curran.

4. How can England make best use of Jonny Bairstow?

After a scratchy seven off 13 balls against Australia, Bairstow cracked a belligerent 31 off 18 after being promoted to No 3 against Namibia — then lashed out at his critics. There is a case for keeping him there.

His prowess in the powerplay (he averages 43 when facing the first ball of a T20 innings) makes him well-suited to first drop, where he averages 35 with a strike-rate of 161. It also means Harry Brook can come in at No 4.

5. Where does this leave Chris Jordan?

Like Curran, Jordan was a late inclusion against Namibia because England wanted his death expertise in a truncated game. But six overs for 68 against Scotland and Australia were a worry, and the idea that he can be a lower-order six-hitter from No 8 may remain a theory.

England should accept that their four strongest bowlers — Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid and Topley — mean a longish tail, and trust that their top seven can match West Indies and South Africa blow for blow.