November 08 Friday 2002
We let ourselves down, says England coach Fletcher

BRISBANE: England coach Duncan Fletcher said his team only had themselves to blame for their terrible performance against Australia on the opening day of the first Ashes Test on Thursday. 

Fletcher defended his team's decision to give Australia first use of a perfect batting wicket but said there were no excuses for England's dismal performance in the field. 

"We didn't play good cricket today," Fletcher said. 

"You can't afford to drop catches out here on good wickets. 

"When batters give opportunities you have to make sure you make those opportunities." 

Australia closed in complete control on 364 for two on the back of centuries by Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting, as the touring side dropped catches, missed a run-out, conceded overthrows and committed dozens of misfields. 

Hayden, who finished unbeaten on 186, was dropped on 102, 136 and 149. He also survived a run-out opportunity on 15 and was given a reprieve on 40 when Simon Jones caught him only to fall over the boundary rope. 

"Our fielding wasn't too good," Fletcher admitted. "The first session before lunch was very important, especially if your captain wins the toss and puts the side in. You must maintain your discipline. 

On the toss, he added: "It was a difficult decision to make but we thought at that stage the wicket looked a little bit green and there might be something in it for our bowlers. 

"I don't know if they were overawed but maybe they were probably a little bit over-anxious when they saw it swing a little bit."

"It'll be difficult to regroup for the second day but we've just got to do that," the former Zimbabwean captain said. 

"Hopefully the wicket will stay the same for days two, three and four, which we've been informed it normally does, and then we just have to make sure we bat to the best of our ability."