Collingwood blames batting weaknesses
Collingwood was dismissed for just nine runs
Monday, 01, Oct 2007 10:59
England skipper Paul Collingwood has laid the blame for England's abject defeat in their opening one-day clash with Sri Lanka at the feet of his under-performing batsman.
Peter Moores' side slumped to a 119-run defeat in the first match of their tour after their reply to the hosts' total of 270 went into freefall with the collapse of the middle order.
Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Owais Shah and Collingwood himself collected only 17 runs between them as England slipped from 58-1 to 102-6 to fatally undermine openers Alastair Cook and Phil Mustard's solid start.
"The way the guys bowled, we were very happy with that - 270 on a pretty good pitch, but we are disappointed with the run chase," Collingwood said.
"I'm not going to start making excuses about it being a good toss to win - it was losing the middle order at the time we did, a crucial part of the game.
"Hopefully we are going to improve in that area next time and get a win."
The Durham all-rounder also put up a far stouter defence than he did at the crease when asked about the omission of Monty Panesar on a pitch that offered plenty of turn.
"I thought the way the boys bowled on that pitch was excellent. Swanny [Graeme Swann, Panesar's replacement] came in and bowled against some very good Sri Lankan players. I think he did a great job for us. I'm pretty happy with the team selection," he said.
Sri Lanka achieved their victory without the services of spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, but captain Mahela Jayawardene warned England that the second-highest wicket-taker in one-day history could be unleashed in the final two limited overs clashes.
"I'm sure I will get a call from him saying he's pretty keen to play this weekend but we have a lot of cricket up ahead and hopefully he will be 100% by the last two games," he said.