So much for an improved performance, England posted an even worse display than in the first match! Alastair Cook was the only player to come out with any credit in another dismal batting performance. Without his 53, England would barely even have posted 100, eventually stuttering to a total of 158. To say Paul Collingwood and Ian Bell had disappointing days at the office is a gross understatement after both gave up their wicket having faced only 1 ball a piece.
New Zealand's target was adjusted to 165 using the Duckworth-Lewis method after a 2 1/2 hour rain delay midway through the England innings meant the match was reduced to a 36 over affair. The opening pair for the Kiwis made light work of the England bowling and reached the target without the loss of a wicket after just 18.1 overs. Jesse Ryder finished at 79 not out and Brendon McCullum ended on 80.
England have 3 more matches in the one day series, travelling to Auckland next for the game this Friday. It is hard to imagine England sinking any lower than this latest result, and the more optimistic English fans will point out that with a victory in all 3 games England can still win the series. This seems a long shot however and the more immediate goal is merely to salvage some pride.
Links:
BBC match report - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/7237278.stm
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The agony of following the England cricket team. Fair assessment I must say.
'To say Paul Collingwood and Ian Bell had disappointing days at the office is a gross understatement'. You hit the nail on the head there and I think now is the time for their positions in the England team to be questioned.
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