England are hoping to unleash their "A game" on Australia, and the rest of the Champions Trophy.
Limited-overs coach Ashley Giles acknowledged his team fell short of their best in the 2-1 NatWest Series defeat against New Zealand.
But after yesterday's 34-run win at Trent Bridge, that avoided a first whitewash in this country for seven years, Giles senses his side may be about to deliver for their home campaign in one of the world's biggest tournaments.
The absences of Stuart Broad and Steven Finn, who returned yesterday with no apparent ill-effects from their respective knee and shin injuries, was obvious mitigation as England went 2-0 down.
With England's opening Champions Trophy group match set to take place against Australia at Edgbaston on Saturday, Giles said: "I'm certainly buoyed from this match (at Trent Bridge), because it was much better.
"It was still not anywhere near a perfect performance. It's disappointing to have lost a series, and we've let ourselves down in certain departments."
England made four changes, James Tredwell coming in for rested first-choice off-spinner Graeme Swann and Ravi Bopara back in the guise of an all-rounder.
"I think there were different areas in the (first) two games where we were disappointed," added Giles. “It was good to win when we changed the side slightly - some of it because we needed to give guys a break - and it was also good to welcome a couple of the big boys back.
"I thought the way we batted was much cleaner and crisper, and it was quite exciting at the end."
Giles added: "There are some big positives, but we've certainly not played our 'A' game yet. Maybe we're saving that."
The highlight of England’s victory in Nottingham was undoubtedly Jos Buttler's astonishing 47 not out from 16 balls - within one more big shot of a new fastest 50 in ODI history.
Buttler did not save his best for another day, instead serving notice of a talent which will have bowlers the world over quaking at the thought of somehow trying to stop his array of powerful and inventive shots.
The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman did not even take guard until the 47th over - but, as in last year's equally memorable 32 not out against South Africa in a Twenty20 international at Edgbaston, he demonstrated he does not need long to have a major impact.
Giles is confident Buttler can do likewise with more overs at his disposal too, after his breakthrough ODI innings.
"I think he can do it over a longer period," Giles said.
"I think what Jos needed was to do it once in 50-over cricket. It doesn't mean he's going to do it all the time - but in Twenty20 cricket, once he crossed that hurdle, he looked a different player. I'm hoping that will happen again."
Bopara and even Eoin Morgan's innings were less spectacular. But their half-century stand helped to provide Buttler's launchpad - a factor which gives Giles more food for thought.
He admitted: "I think the batting order, playing an extra batter in Ravi, might have given him a bit more confidence - it takes a little bit of pressure off him and gives him a bit more freedom.
"It doesn't necessarily mean that's the way we're going to go. But Jos has shown in Twenty20 cricket he is built for coming in for five overs. Cooky and I sat and the balcony and said '30 off 10 balls would be nice'. He exceeded all our expectations, so I'm really chuffed for him."