We let people down - Vaughan

17 April 2007

Michael Vaughan fends off some tough questions after England's loss © Getty Images

England captain Michael Vaughan admitted his side had “let a lot of people down” after they were knocked out of the World Cup in chastening fashion by South Africa.

Bowled out for just 154 at the Kensington Oval, England could manage a solitary South Africa wicket in reply as the Proteas romped home with more than 30 overs to spare to book their semi-final place.

Graeme Smith led the way with an unbeaten 89 off just 58 balls, Andrew Hall having taken 5-18 earlier in the day.

Vaughan admitted his side were low on form but insisted they would improve and learn from their mistakes.

He said: “We were pretty average today and we’ve let a lot of people down. Our batting has not been good and we know we need to improve.

“We’ve got a big game [against West Indies] on Saturday but we know we’re out of the World Cup and we’ve got a lot of pride. We know we have a lot of fans here.

“We have a big summer ahead but it’s important that we analyse what went on here. We’ve had a poor winter in all respects.

Graeme Smith enjoys South Africa's comprehensive victory © Getty Images

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“There are positives - we’ve got some good young players coming through - but we have to make sure we learn from what has happened.”

South Africa captain Smith was pleased with the emphatic nature of his side’s victory, particularly coming after the weekend loss to New Zealand and reports of the players drinking.

He said: “It has been a tough tour at times but I am really proud of the way the guys stood up today. We needed to regroup after the last game.

“Our motivation came from knowing what we can play like and how we wanted to play it. We had not achieved it so far and we wanted to do it.

“To bowl them out for 155 was a great effort and then we finished them off with the bat.”

All-rounder Hall, named man of the match for his efforts with the ball, added: “It’s been going very well. We’ve been very confident coming in after a good series back home.

“I think the guys in general have done exceptionally well. We spoke about wanting to peak the right times.

“There were one or two games we would have wanted to have won to get an easier road into the semis but no-one is going to complain here.”