Our hunger hasn’t wilted, insists Flower
COACH Andy Flower has refuted claims his England side lack motivation for their Champions Trophy campaign in South Africa.
England play their first Group B encounter against Sri Lanka today following a busy summer that culminated in a 6-1 drubbing by Australia in the one-day series.
Despite insisting last week England have much work to do in one-day cricket, criticising both batting and bowling departments, Flower is optimistic the tournament will provide his players with fresh impetus.
“We have had a long, hard summer back home, so getting out here and playing in this tournament with the best players in the world is very exciting for everyone,” he said. “We are looking forward to that challenge. There is no trouble at all getting the players up for this tournament. Being here and feeling the buzz about it, and looking forward to a couple of wins to get us through to the semi-finals, is exciting for everyone.”
England have only mustered one century in four one-day series this year, typifying their struggles. While the top six again misfired against Brett Lee and co Flower was keen to turn attentions to Sri Lanka.
“It proved a tough series against Australia but the Sri Lankans will put forward a completely different challenge,” Flower added.
“They are very exciting and have huge variety in their bowling attack. Lasith Malinga slings it from low, has a good slower ball, a quick bouncer and a good yorker, then they have good spinners who are hard to read and play in the middle overs, so the challenge is there.”
Meanwhile, England’s 2010 itinerary has been announced with a summer line-up featuring Bangladesh, Australia and Pakistan. The first Test of the summer, against Bangladesh at Lord’s, begins on 27 May.