The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Can England buck the trend?

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Friday, Sep 08, 2006

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Sport - Cricket

Can England buck the trend?

NOTTINGHAM: England will seek to reverse a worrying trend, as it takes on Pakistan in the fourth ODI at Trent Bridge on Friday. Down 0-2 in the five-match series, the home side has won only one — against Ireland — of its last 10 limited-overs games.

The third ODI saw England in contention at various points. But, a magnificent hundred by Younis Khan and skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq's calming presence saw Pakistan chase down the target of 272 to win by two wickets.

Mohammad Yousuf was also among the runs.

"We showed a lot more positivity with the bat," said captain Andrew Strauss, who was one of three English half-century makers. "But more than anything we showed fight. If we keep that going we'll turn it around sooner or later."

With opener Marcus Trescothick ruling himself out of the Champions Trophy with a stress disorder, England may try out a different combination at the top of the order. Strauss will also have to contend with bowling woes — Sajid Mahmood went for 66 in his nine overs.

"We put the ball in the right areas and we were a bit unlucky with a couple of things," said the England captain.

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