England develop new character and discipline

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India undone by the hand of Hollioake

It is a long time since England have won such a crucial one-day match. The countdown to next year's World Cup has begun and this series against India and the one to follow, in New Zealand, are important pointers.

Another defeat might have led to a clean sweep by India in this six-day series. But Nasser Hussain's team showed great character and there is also an emerging shape to the way his side play this form of cricket, something they have never had. The basis of this is discipline.

Duncan Fletcher, the coach, has instilled technical discipline. On the pitch Hussain is a hard captain at the same time as having a sympathetic understanding of players' problems and needs.

This second match against India saw England recover from the loss of two early wickets before faltering again and struggling to reach a below-par 250.

The danger was that Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly would then run away with the match. Runs began to come at more than five an over. But England's nerve held, Hussain keeping a tight control. The fielding was brilliant, and one felt that one piece of luck might do the trick. This came when Tendulkar was run out, and then England methodically set about dismantling the rest of the side.

When one or two began to go through the motions, Hussain pulled them into line. Several felt the lash of his tongue but none of them will resent it, for his side respect their captain.