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Key Points

Michael Atherton didn't hold back in his criticism of England's performance against South Africa. He believes the team was completely unprepared for the intensity of ODI cricket after playing The Hundred. The former captain pointed to the dramatic batting collapse as evidence of being "caught cold." England now face an urgent need to adapt quickly with limited matches remaining in the series.

Key Points: Michael Atherton Slams England Caught Napping in SA ODI Defeat

  • England collapsed from 82/2 to 131 all out in 24.3 overs
  • Debutant Sonny Baker conceded 76 runs in just seven overs
  • Atherton cites switch from Test cricket to The Hundred as key issue
  • South Africa looked prepared while England appeared undercooked
3 min read

Were caught napping after very little preparation: Atherton on England's dreadful defeat against SA

Former captain Michael Atherton blasts England's lack of preparation after South Africa's crushing 7-wicket victory in the opening ODI at Headingley.

"England were caught cold and napping after very little preparation - Michael Atherton"

Leeds, September 3

Former captain Michael Atherton minced no words while unleashing a scathing tirade on England for being "caught cold and napping" during the opening ODI against South Africa at Headingley.

England's catastrophic performance echoed in Leeds as South Africa drubbed the hosts comfortably to take a 1-0 lead with a seven-wicket victory in the opening ODI. Since the 'Bazball' introduction in the white-ball format, England got off a lightning-quick start and raced to 82/2 in 14 overs.

However, a batting collapse that seemed to come out of nowhere saw them collapse at 131 in just 24.3 overs. Debutant Sonny Baker's bizarre 76-run seven-over spell, which saw him concede the most runs for England in the maiden match, summed up the entire outing for the hosts.

Atherton believes the constant switch from Test cricket against India to the 100-ball format in the Hundred, which concluded just two days before the series opener, could be an excuse for England's failure to recalibrate to the demands of the ODI format.

"England, without question, have been caught cold. South Africa looks like a side who have been together playing serious international cricket. It's a sharp reminder that England need to get switched on to international cricket, which is of a different level and intensity - as Sonny Baker found out - than franchise cricket," Atherton told Sky Sports.

"And they've got to adjust to 50-over cricket, which again demands a different tempo and length than the 100-ball format they've been playing. I don't think England were reckless with the bat - and there were no warning signs in the powerplay of what was to come. Tempo is a big thing in 50-over cricket because you have to find a cruising speed. You can't go hell for leather like in a T20 or The Hundred or dawdle like you can in Tests," he added.

Atherton continued to analyse Engand's batting order crumble on a pitch that didn't spin or rage. According to him, the hosts were found napping with their minimal preparation.

"You have to find a happy balance, and England started well but then came a calamitous and curious collapse. It was hard to understand - the pitch was good, and it wasn't spinning or ragging. I really think England were caught cold and napping after very little preparation. With two ODIs and a T20 series left, they need to get with it now," he concluded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Atherton is absolutely right. You can't just switch formats without proper mental preparation. The Hundred to ODI transition requires different mindset and skills. Poor planning from England management.
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Priya S
Feel bad for Sonny Baker though - debut match and he gets hammered for 76 runs. Tough introduction to international cricket! Hope he bounces back stronger. 🤞
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Arjun K
This collapse reminds me of some of India's batting performances abroad. Sometimes teams just have bad days, but Atherton's point about preparation is valid. International cricket demands respect and proper planning.
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Michael C
The scheduling is ridiculous. Switching from Tests to The Hundred to ODIs in such short time - no team can adapt properly. ECB needs to fix their calendar instead of blaming players.
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Nisha Z
South Africa played like a proper unit while England looked like individuals. Team cohesion matters so much in cricket! Proteas showed how it's done with disciplined bowling and sensible batting. 👏

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