 | We have been lacking the firepower needed at the start of the innings and again at the death |
Coach Richard Bates believes a lack of bowling firepower is a major reason for England's poor start to the Women's Quadrangular Series in India. They have lost all three games so far and need to win the next three to have a chance of qualifying for the final.
"We are certainly missing our two strike bowlers, Katherine Brunt and Nicky Shaw, who are both injured.
"We have struggled to pick up wickets at key times, which is essential against these sides," said Bates.
England were unable to chase targets against India and New Zealand and a total of 216-7 batting first against Australia was well short of what was required.
Bates said it was time for every player to reflect on the performances so far and turn talk about improvement into action.
"We have a young and talented squad, which is continually improving and it is tournaments like this that accelerates their development.
"We have an opportunity in the next three games to come out fighting and to battle to reverse the three results so far. As you can imagine the squad is a bit low on confidence at this point, but good teams bounce back and that is what we must do.
"I'm confident we can go out there and win our remaining three games and I have every faith in this young group of players," he added.
England are next in action against India on Wednesday and medium pacer Lynsey Askew could be in line for her first appearance after being called up when Brunt was ruled out the tour because of a back injury.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
