Strauss: I despair
Andrew Strauss could do nothing to prevent England crashing to a humiliating defeat
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Saturday, 03, Oct 2009 09:25
By Huw Davies.
England captain Andrew Strauss was left contemplating defeat once again after his side crashed to a thumping nine-wicket defeat at the hands of old rivals Australia.
There were more than just echoes of England's 6-1 series loss a few weeks ago, as Australia raced to a disappointing total of 258 with more than eight overs to spare. Shane Watson and Ricky Ponting put on 252 without being dismissed, giving England a total hiding in the field.
It was no surprise Strauss looked like a beaten man after the game.
"The batsmen were to blame if I'm honest," admitted Strauss. "That wicket was a 300 par wicket and we were 40-odd runs short of that. When you lose six wickets for 100 runs it's always going to be hard to stay in the game.
"We went out there and tried to be positive, and unfortunately our shots didn't come off today. But," he continued, "I think that method of playing is certainly better than what we did in England."
England also looked toothless with the ball, bowling 40 overs without a wicket as Watson and Ponting took control.
"We needed 3 or 4 early wickets. We didn't get that. Shane Watson and Ricky Ponting played thoroughly well and they did a professional job on us," said Strauss.
While England have been knocked out of the ICC Champions Trophy, Australia progress to the final, where they will face either New Zealand or Pakistan.