England's complacency gives Tigers taste of victory

THE frailties that Australia exposed in England's cricket in the final two matches of their recent series were shown to be matters of serious concern for England's hopes of replicating their ICC Twenty20 World Cup success on the sub-continent next February in the 50-over version by a vibrant but hardly threatening Bangladesh side in Bristol.

The Tigers had lost all 24 matches this year and had never defeated England but deserved victory, even if a late partnership thwarted them, as they showed greater thought, intensity and discipline than England's.

There was some misfortune for England in Ian Bell suffering a broken foot while attempting a catch in the 10th over and he could not bat in his customary number three position. However, his absence was known when England started their chase and they should have adapted accordingly.

They failed to and suffered. Both openers, Andrew Strauss and Craig Kieswetter went out to ambitious, unnecessary shots, the former trying an upper-cut and the latter a Hollywood drive on the up, and such was the complacency that even the gnarled old professional, Paul Collingwood refused to occupy the crease and consider a long, boring innings. He should have been given out first ball, his wild slash edging behind but the umpire remained unmoved. The good thing would have been to walk but it mattered little as he fell LBW for 10.

Of the top-order only Jonathan Trott displayed the necessary discipline. A target of 237 should not have been taxing. The pitch did offer assistance in bounce and movement to the seamers but the truth is the conditions favoured England. Imrul Kayes had shown earlier that patience was needed and his 76 anchored the Bangladesh efforts and allowed them to post a score that could be made competitive. Trott's innings was in a similar vein. Both pushed singles, blocked the good balls and tried to bat for many overs. It was old-fashioned craftsmanship, which is rarely seen in the more modern thrash but can still have a role depending on the match situation and conditions.

England's work with the ball was also a little thoughtless. It took Michael Yardy to slow the Bangladesh innings down with a controlled spell of left arm spin. There may be a case for England being complacent after defeating Australia but being outplayed by a minnow of the game should ensure some harsh opinions are shared in the dressing room.