Eoin Morgan's side did not compete in Tri-Series Final at The WACA
Monday 2 February 2015 07:03, UK
England's lack of aggression and power with the bat is a concern heading into the World Cup, says David Lloyd.
Eoin Morgan's side were thumped by 112 runs in Sunday's Tri-Series final against Australia at The WACA, collecting just 18 boundaries compared to their opponents' 39.
Sky Sports expert Lloyd was disappointed by England's inability to find the fence and was frustrated that Ravi Bopara (33 off 59 balls) and Steven Finn (6 off 36) batted stoutly after wickets tumbled rather than looked for runs.
"I always like to look forward but the manner of the defeat made me tear out what hair I’ve got left," said Bumble, after England were bowled out for 166 in 39.1 overs.
"England may need to hit a boundary to win a World Cup match so why didn't they practise it? Finn blocked and Bopara looked like he was having a net.
"There was a real lack of power, they didn't make the best use of batting conditions and the most disappointing thing today [Sunday] was that England didn’t compete."
England did, however, record two victories over India en route to the Tri-Series final.
And Bumble says Morgan and coach Peter Moores should not be too downhearted by their team's WACA reverse as they prepare for their first World Cup game, against Australia, on February 14.
"There have been some good things and England are on an upward curve, with Ian Bell scoring runs, Stuart Broad back and building momentum and Finn rediscovering the knack of taking wickets," he said.
"James Taylor did okay, too, so it's not all doom and gloom but they need to get back on the horse ahead of the World Cup."
Mitchell Johnson was one of the architects of England's downfall in Perth, taking the wickets of Moeen, Taylor and Morgan to finish with figures of 3-27 in his first bowl of 2015.
The spectre of Johnson rattling in spooked England once again. He was back to nearly full power and bowling straight.
And Lloyd says that with England's Ashes destroyer fit and firing and a plethora of fast-bowling options, the Baggy Greens are his pick to win the World Cup on home soil.
"The spectre of Johnson rattling in spooked England once again," added Bumble. "He was back to nearly full power and bowling straight.
"With [Mitchell] Starc, [Josh] Hazlewood and the like, they have got bowlers coming out of their ears and they have an excellent squad all round with ready-made replacements.
"They keep coming at you and will be favourites on their home patch."
Watch England face Australia in the World Cup, from 3am on Saturday, February 14 on Sky Sports 2.
