Sport | Cricket
Not over yet, insists spirited Flintoff
Captain Andrew Flintoff strongly believes England's ICC Champions Trophy hopes were not over yet despite being humbled by India in their opening game.
- By K R Nayar, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:34 May 3, 2009
- Image Credit:
- England captain Andrew Flintoff reacts after the loss to India in the Champions Trophy match in Jaipur.
Jaipur: Captain Andrew Flintoff strongly believes England's ICC Champions Trophy hopes were not over yet despite being humbled by India in their opening game.
England scored only 125 runs, their lowest ever total against India, which led to a four-wicket defeat.
"This was only one game, we are still in the tournament, we are not disillusioned by any stretch of the imagination," said Flintoff who earned his 100th cap yesterday.
"We will learn from this and come back stronger. There is a week now to reflect on our next game and go forward."
They must now beat Ashes rival Australia in next week's Group A game to keep alive their chances.
Speaking after yesterday's match Flintoff praised his team.
"We fought well towards the end, we never gave up. We started badly with bat and ball and we were always chasing the game," he said. "But I was pleased with the character the team showed. We are pleased with the way we bowled and pegged them back towards the end." Flintoff, batting at number three, was dismissed for a duck, and half the England side had been dismissed before the 20th over.
"They put the ball in good areas, exploited a little bit of uneven bounce at times but they swung the ball too and asked questions of the batsmen," Flintoff said. "On the day we were not quite up to it."
India captain Rahul Dravid praised his bowlers for setting up the win.
"We lost a couple of unnecessary wickets at the end - and we can play much better than we did - but it was good to start the tournament with a win," said Dravid.
"We took a bit of a gamble with the toss and needed a big performance from the bowlers - and they delivered."
He also singled out off-spinner Ramesh Powar, who claimed the wickets of Paul Collingwood and Jamie Dalrymple who were threatening to build a big partnership.
Sport Editor's choice
-
Winning Desert Classic close to McIlroy's heart
Joint-leader draws inspiration from girlfriend's personal pursuit of perfection
-
Top teams hold on to their positions
Of the strugglers, Emirates continue their climb up the table after some superb performances while Sharjah drop
-
Staking a claim
Mendip bounces back to his best form to win middle leg of Al Maktoum Challenge
