England skipper blames bowlers for loss

Wellington, March 1 (IANS) A dejected England skipper Eoin Morgan blamed his bowlers for failing to defend the 309/6 against Sri Lanka in the World Cup cricket at the Westpac Stadium here Sunday.

England posted a decent total courtesy a 121-run knock from middle order mainstay Joe Root. But English bowlers were hit hard by the Sri Lankan top order Kumar Sangakkara (117) and Lahiru Thirimanne (139). 

The pair stitched a 212-run unbeaten stand for the second wicket that helped them chase down the total with nine wickets and 16 balls to spare. With this loss, England slumped to their third World Cup defeat.

Each England pacer gave away at least six runs per over. 

"We certainly lost it with the ball. We had a par score on the board. Joe Root batted beautifully. I was happy at half time,” said Morgan, who scored 27 runs from 47 balls.

The 28-year-old added: "Today we bowled a bad ball every over ... against a top side.