Hussain defends aggressive approach

England went 2-1 down in the one-day series against India after being bowled out for 217 here yesterday. It was a match marked by ill-temper in front of another packed stadium which was ecstatic at India's four-wicket victory.

The England captain, Nasser Hussain, denied later there had been too much aggression, though it seemed plain that England's bowlers were not inviting the opposition batsmen for Sunday tea when they sent them on their way to the pavilion after dismissing them. Matthew Hoggard and Andrew Flintoff lack nothing either in heart or a choice turn of phrase.

Hussain said: "I've been absolutely chuffed with Flintoff on this tour. His attitude has been magnificent. At one point I saw him have a word and I just went up to him and told him he was on a final warning. We have been poor at one-day cricket for a while and we're trying to put that right.

"It's a long road and improvement will only be gradual, but obviously we have to start showing signs of improvement which we have done in lots of departments."