Great article (in my opinion) here from Ricky Ponting...
http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/847795.htmlVery interesting to read the second story re; Australia's batting order - great balance of specialist, not 'bits and pieces' players - and their flexibility.
I find being 172-0 against Scotland after 30 overs (the most at the time by any side in the WC) and then a) not sending Buttler in and b) only scoring just over 300 runs absolutely crazy. The fear to play and wherever that pressure is coming from, is scary.
Interesting that Ponting's heard noises from the England players re; the coaching. Exactly the same happened with Moores in 2009. Michael Vaughan's points re; him working with younger players and having a man manager-type coach at the top seems common sense. But there needs to be a comprehensive change top down and in outlook. Too much over-coaching across all sports in England. The skill in coaching should be knowing what to nurture and let develop and what to correct.
There also needs to be more focus on game situations. The FA are heading in this direction, with focus on players expressing themselves and reading game situations. The ECB should look at that. Lots of wickets fell in clusters, which points to cluttered minds and panic collectively. Use data, freedom/expression to play (or 'no fear' cricket), improving technique and game management as equally salient tools, but not with an over-reliance on any one factor...