England captain Alastair Cook has called for a significant improvement to the rigidity of his batsmen following a defeat in the first NatWest Series One Day International against New Zealand at Lord’s.
Cook must now lead England to victories in the remaining matches at the Ageas Bowl on Sunday and Trent Bridge on Wednesday to rescue a series win after Martin Guptill’s knock of 103 not out secured victory for the tourists.
"You could look at our top five dismissals, and say poor execution of shots, but probably the right shots.” Alastair Cook
“The good thing is that everyone got in so it doesn't seem to be a form issue,” said Cook who was unable to call on Steve Finn and Stuart Broad who missed the game with minor knocks.
“It's just one of those days where no one stuck their hand up, and took responsibility and batted throughout the innings. We will get better."
Cook himself was one of eight batsmen to reach double figures as Jonathan Trott top scored with 37.
"That is the art of one-day cricket, the risk and reward, and I actually don't think our shot options were bad ones; it was just the execution of them," said Cook.
"That was it. You could look at our top five dismissals, and say poor execution of shots, but probably the right shots.”
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