Captain Jos Buttler requested an “answer on a postcard” to explain England’s latest disappointing day at the World Cup, which saw the defending champions suffer a 100-run defeat to India.
After restricting the hosts to 229 runs, England were bowled out in the 35th over, suffering their fifth defeat in six matches.
Only an unlikely mathematical miracle will save England, who are bottom of the 10-nation tournament and have won fewer games than non-Test playing Netherlands.
“The answer on a postcard. There are some top players out there who are well past their best,” Butler said.
“Very disappointing. Chasing 230 we were confident in ourselves at the halfway stage. But it’s the same old story.”
“The feeling was that we wanted to chase the target. This is as good as we have done with the ball in the whole tournament. We took some good wickets so we are very disappointed.”
“Whichever way you want to look at the game, it’s about commitment. For me it was about taking the pressure, building partnerships and getting rid of the pressure,” said the tired looking captain.
“It’s about executing your skills. There was no scoreboard pressure while chasing 230, we were lagging behind.”