|
|
|
| August 19, 2006 | Saturday | Rajab 23, 1427 |
We were awful: Hoggard
LONDON, Aug 18: Matthew Hoggard said England had failed to perform in all departments after being dominated by Pakistan during the first two days of the fourth and final Test at the Oval.
“It was as bad as it looked,” the seam bowler told a news conference on Friday after Mohammad Yousuf hit an unbeaten 115 to lead Pakistan to 336 for three in reply to England's first innings 173.
“We were below par bowling and fielding and we were below par batting yesterday.”
England have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
“We didn't go in with any form of complacency. At this level you can't afford to be five percent under your marker or you will be found out,” said Hoggard, who had three catches dropped off his bowling.
“When Yousuf gets in, he gets runs. He's one of the best players in the world at the moment. Unfortunately we dropped him twice and he made us pay.”
Yousuf also scored a double century in the opening Test and 192 in the third.
“Obviously we're disappointed,” said Hoggard. “I'm sure a couple of individuals are angry. We've got three days to put that right.”
Hoggard was England's best bowler, with two for 79 off 22 overs.
He said he was struggling for rhythm but added that paceman Steve Harmison, England's poorest bowler on Friday, was not injured.—Reuters
|
|
|
|
