We’re confident we can bounce back says quick
CHRIS JORDAN says England have not become a bad team overnight and believes they can bounce back to square the ODI series against South Africa tomorrow.
England lost by seven wickets in Cape Town in their first 50-over outing since winning the World Cup.
But Jordan insists that one defeat should not be taken as a sign they are heading downhill so soon after planting their flag on the summit.
“Two games ago we were lifting the World Cup,” he said. “Yes, it was a bad result in the first match but we don’t want to dwell on it too much – just get back to what we do best.
“We want to bounce back stronger and harder and we are more than confident we can do that.”
Eoin Morgan and coach Chris Silverwood were keen to give debutants Tom Banton and Matt Parkinson at least two games in which to state their cases. That remained the case yesterday even if the merits of adding experience are sure to be discussed again as they seek to level the series at Kingsmead, Durban and take the series to a decider at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday.
However, one thing the World Cup win has given England and, particularly Morgan, is a period of grace in which to push forward his agenda without fear of backlash. And looking at the two relatively inexperienced
line-ups,
South Africa are just as capable of throwing in a poor performance if Morgan’s men play to their potential. Jordan put down the defeat to “losing wickets in clusters” in their batting effort, something that never allowed them to take a cut at the Proteas bowling. He also cited a lack of wickets with the new ball and an inability to stop Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma rotating the strike. “We did brilliantly well to even put what we thought was a competitive score on the board, but we were never in a position to put them under pressure with the ball by taking wickets consistently,” said Jordan.
“They rotated the strike really well and made it tough for us. We bowled a lot of good balls and they were still getting their singles. That meant they were always in a position to put away our bad balls. “As a team it’s not where we want to be but we will do our best to put that right next game.” Jordan railed at suggestions that without the express pace of Jofra Archer, inset, and Mark Wood England were a little too lightweight to trouble the South Africans. “I don’t really view it that way,” he said. “At the end of the day we’re all here for a reason, we’re all here because we have various skill sets that are good enough for international cricket. “Those other guys have different attributes to us but it’s all about trying to be as effective as possible, trying to assess conditions on that day and trying to make the most of it.”
SUPER LEAGUE clubs have joined forces to block controversial signings in the future – but Israel Folau is clear to make his Catalan Dragons debut.
The 12 clubs met in Salford yesterday, with Folau’s high-profile switch to the Dragons at the top of the agenda.
Catalans have faced strong opposition from rival clubs over the move after Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia last year following a post on Instagram stating that “hell awaits” gay people.
The two parties later settled out of court when it was legally challenged by Folau and the RFL, who control the registration of players in this country, admitted they were powerless to prevent the 30-year-old moving to France.
But the Super League board yesterday voted unanimously to stage a competition-wide consultation process should the situation arise again.The new policy means a club who are considering signing a player with a controversial past would be expected to consult with the rest of the competition over the possible impact on the sport.
Rival clubs were angered that Catalans chose not to consult them before pushing ahead with the Folau deal.
Some took their own legal advice over possible loss of income following a backlash to the news. A statement from Super League’s executive chairman Robert Elstone read: “With the season under way, we now feel it is important to separate what is an off-field matter from what is happening on the field. “The board has voted unanimously to put in place measures that ensure the Super League has greater authority to stop controversial signings such as this in theThe future.” Dragons will today reveal whether Folau is included in their squad to face Wakefield Trinity on Sunday.