England losing momentum: Waugh

Published July 25, 2006

SYDNEY, July 24: Former Australia cricket captain Steve Waugh says England have lost their edge after winning the Ashes.

England, who face Aussies again this winter, have won only two of 10 Tests since, losing 2-0 in Pakistan and drawing 1-1 with Sri Lanka and India.

“There is no doubt they have lost momentum of the Ashes. They should have won against Sri Lanka 3-0,” he said on Monday. “They lacked killer instinct, were very casual and fell back into some of their old bad habits.”

England have been beset by injuries since beating Australia 2-1 last year – their first Ashes series victory for 18 years.

Simon Jones missed series in Pakistan and India, while captain Michael Vaughan, Marcus Trescothick and Ashley Giles played no part in India Tests.

But Waugh says huge celebrations which followed Australia series last summer also played a part in their demise.

“I think Pakistan series was a hangover from the Ashes. The boys had been on a bit of a celebratory run and they lost sight of ball, maybe,” he added.

“All of a sudden they found themselves back in another series and it was tough.”—Agencies

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