Newell cites Bangladesh benefits

England U19s have struggled to adapt to conditions in Bangladesh, losing both the Test and ODI series during a testing tour

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England Under-19s coach Mick Newell concedes his side have been “outplayed” on their unsuccessful tour of Bangladesh, but he believes there will be a collective benefit ahead of the World Cup.

England’s youngsters have struggled on what has been a chastening trip, winning just one practice game, losing the only Test and suffering a one-day series defeat.

With Newell’s charges slipping to a four-wicket defeat today that leaves them 4-0 down in the seven-match one-day series, there would appear to be little in the way of plus points.

However, there are aspects of the tour that have left Newell encouraged despite the negative results.

“We played pretty good cricket in the Test and we were disappointed to lose that game on the last day when we deserved better," he told ecb.co.uk.

"But in the one-dayers, apart from the first game where we lost by one run, we’ve been outplayed.

"We have been surprised to find ourselves on the wrong end of results but we have been learning a lot about the players in these conditions, so they can take some positives away from the tour.

“It’s a huge learning curve for all of us. Cricket over here is very different - the pitches are quite slow and they turn a lot.

“We have been facing 35 overs of spin in the 50-over matches and starting well against the quicker bowlers, but as soon as the spin bowlers come on we have had a problem knocking the ball around. That builds pressure which has led to mistakes being made.”

Despite the trend of poor results, Mick Newell praised the performances of among others, Hampshire's Danny Briggs

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As well as highlighting his side’s deficiencies against quality spin bowling, Newell also believes they have to perform as more of a unit if they wish to achieve success in the World Cup in New Zealand, due to begin on January 15.

“There are positives to take from this tour and I would single out the likes of Joe Root, Danny Briggs and Nathan Buck as people who have stood out so far for me," added Newell.

"But at the moment we are not performing well enough as a group of players and, although we have lost the series, there is still a lot to play for in the next three matches and heading into New Zealand.

“If you want to play international cricket then you are going to have to spend an awful lot of time batting in conditions and wickets such as this.

“If you can adapt and take your game on to pitches like this then that shows you have the mentality and ability to play international cricket.

“I hope there will be a few of the guys who will go home and, because of this tour and the experience they have gained, will want to become better players and improve their game further.”

Newell was quick to praise the performances of the hosts, who he admitted look an imposing side on home turf.

“The age-group cricket is very competitive and at junior level they (Bangladesh) are very good," he said.

“They have a lot of good spin bowlers, they are a good fielding side as well as being very aggressive and they have also some impressive batters as well, so, all in all, they are a growing force.”