6 Jun 2009

Media take the long handle to England

1:45 pm on 6 June 2009

Headline writers have branded England's loss to the Netherlands in the opening game of cricket's Twenty20 World Cup at Lord's "the ultimate humiliation".

England lost by four wickets when bowler Stuart Broad's throw at the stumps missed to hand the 500-1 outsiders victory off the final ball to the embarrassment of players and fans.

The Times praised "Dutch courage" and said England played like headless chickens in the closing two overs while the Sun's headline was "Clogs 1 Clots 0" .

England must beat Pakistan on Monday morning to avoid a first-round exit, while the Netherlands will clinch a second-round spot if they produce another upset against Pakistan on Wednesday.

New Zealand play Scotland tonight and Black Caps all rounder Scott Styris says they won't be taking their opposition lightly..