Fletcher lauds his bowlers

Published November 21, 2005

FAISALABAD, Nov 20: England coach Duncan Fletcher was all praise for his bowlers on Sunday, saying they stuck to their task on a flat track in the second Test against Pakistan here.

“From our point of view, it would have been good to win the toss,” said Fletcher.

“We did not win a crucial toss and I think that is seven out of eight against Pakistan at international level, but I must give credit to the bowlers who stuck to their task.”

Fletcher described the day as “difficult” for his team.

“It was a difficult day, but in the end you have got to give credit to the bowlers who bowled well on a wicket like that. We had them in a little trouble at one stage,” said Fletcher, a former Zimbabwean captain.

He praised Pakistan’s batsmen for building two good stands.

“The Pakistani batsmen did well by putting up two good partnerships,” Fletcher said, adding he hoped his side would hit back on the second day on Monday.

“We have to go out and carry on the way we always do. I believe we showed the same manner and intent as in other Tests and would bounce back,” he said.—AFP