Cork blasts poor England
Michael Vaughan has failed to inspire his players
Thursday, 20, Dec 2007 09:25
Former England bowler Dominic Cork has launched a blistering attack on England after they were bowled out for 81 by Sri Lanka today.
England face the prospect of losing the three match series 2-0 which will see them drop from second to fifth in the world Test rankings, and Cork believes it's time the England players take a long hard look at themselves.
"England have not been up to the mantle. They've lacked desire, they've lacked passion and I believe as a side they don't seem very united," said Cork.
"They shouldn't be nervous. The butterflies you get playing for England should get the adrenaline flowing and get you pumping.
"They should have gone into this Test match believing they could win it and level the series. But from day one they haven't set their stall out well," added the Lancashire player.
Cork also criticised the England management for not changing their tactics and playing Graeme Swann alongside Monty Panesar in a twin spin attack.
He said: "I believe we have missed a trick here by not playing two spinners. We should have backed our batsmen instead of playing six and saying 'you never know'."
England face a mammoth task of saving this Test match in Galle, after they followed on in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings total of 499/8 declared.