19 September,2009 07:55 AM IST | | AFP
England captain Andrew Strauss told his players to show character after a 111-run thrashing by Australia on Thursday left them on the brink of a 7-0 series loss.
No side has ever lost a bilateral one-day international (ODI) campaign 7-0. But a sixth straight defeat by world champions Australia meant England faced the prospect of making unwanted history in Sunday's climax at the Riverside.
"Six-nil is bad enough to be honest. We've got one more opportunity (this series) to show our calibre as a side. We need to take that opportunity," Strauss said.
England, set 297 to win, were bowled out for 187.
Once again England's top order failed, although Strauss, the hosts' best batsman this series, did appear unlucky to be given out caught behind for a second-ball nought.
"It was a bit of a horror show with the bat," Strauss said. "No one is more frustrated than I am."
Strauss, booed by angry spectators during the post-match presentation ceremony, added: "We were never in the hunt so I can understand the frustration of the crowd. I'm not going to sit here and make any excuses. As a group of players and as individuals we need to stand up and show some character now. It's as simple as that."
