England8217;s cricketers face barrage from press

England suffered defeat by an innings and 21 runs early on the fourth day of the first Test yesterday.

Hussain, England8217;s fourth captain in seven years, said: 8220;It8217;s character building and we must learn from it 8230; I8217;d be very disappointed if the team let their heads drop after three days like this. I certainly won8217;t. I8217;ll make sure they remain positive and upbeat.8221;

But the Daily Mirror called the defeat 8220;Totally characterless,8221; saying: 8220;England8217;s record speaks for itself: they are the worst team in the world, according to cricket Bible Wisden. And this was England8217;s 22nd defeat in 48 overseas Tests over 10 years.8221;

Many papers echoed skipper Hussain8217;s complaints about the Wanderers pitch, which the head groundsman admitted was too damp when play began on Thursday. England lost the toss and were immediately in trouble.

8220;It was interesting cricket, the ball going over the 8216;keeper8217;s head and then along the ground and shooting sideways 8230; it is for other people on committees to say whether the pitch was suitable for Test cricket,8221; Hussain said.

Former England captain Graham Gooch struck a familiar refrain in the Daily Star: 8220;It is plainly obvious the county championship isn8217;t producing the right type of cricketers that are necessary to compete at Test level 8230; the standard just isn8217;t high enough.8221;