England commitment unquestionable say, Atherton, Pringle

Strauss & Co's commitment is unquestionable given their demanding schedule across the last six months, believe Former english cricketers Mike Atherton & Derek Pringle

Strauss & Co's commitment is unquestionable given their demanding schedule across the last six months, believe Former english cricketers Mike Atherton & Derek Pringleu00a0

Former cricketers-turned-journalists Derek Pringle and Michael Atherton have defended England's inconsistent performance that nearly saw them eliminated from the World Cup here at Chepauk last night.

Left: The Englishmen celebrate their 18-run win over the West Indies in yesterday's World Cup match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. pic/getty images

Defending 244, West Indies were bowled out for 225, giving England an extended shot at survival. Their quarter-final fate now hinges on the remaining two Group 'B' matches. (South Africa vs Bangladesh on Saturday, and India vs West Indies on Sunday).

MiD DAY eavesdropped at a conversation between English journalists, who hailed their team 'as a bunch of softies itching to get back to the comfort of their homes'.u00a0

Even West Indies skipper Darren Sammy hinted on the eve of yesterday's game that England were out of gas.
"I hear they have spent only four days at home in the last five months. If they want to stay on in India, they have to win the World Cup. Some of them must be itching to go back home, you never know," Sammy said.

Stuart Broad and Kevin Pietersen have returned home owing to injuries, while Ajmal Shehzad has also broken down. This, coupled with niggles, stomach bugs, and recurring injuries have rocked the English camp ever since they began their World Cup campaign against Holland on February 22.

However, some stunning catches and inspired spells by Swann (3-36) and James Tredwell (4-48) have kept England alive. At 222-6, West Indies had victory in sight, until Darren Sammy's side lost their last four wickets for just three runs.

Earlier, England were bowled out for 243 in 48.4 overs.

"Not for one minute can anyone dare question the commitment of this English team. I know that I never did," Atherton told MiD DAY.

"They have been on the road for almost six months now ufffd and let's not forget they have provided some great entertainment in this World Cup. If anything, this will serve as a wake-up call for the administrators with regard to the atrocious scheduling. I can never question the character of this English team ufffd they have played with lot of courage and heart," added Atherton.

Pringle said that the administrators must take the blame for England's inconsistent performance. "I've said it all along - the administrators who agreed to England's winter schedule must shoulder their share of the blame. The Ashes was always going to be draining whatever the result and to organise seven one-day internationals afterwards, with all the vast travel that happens during this sort of a tournament, was a scary itinerary," Pringle told MiD DAY.