Kieron Pollard laments West Indies display in defeat to England: "Being bowled out for 55 is unacceptable"

NICK HOWSON: Bowled out for their lowest total in T20 World Cup history, the captain hopes the experienced core can pick the team up

Kieron Pollard pulled no punches when asked to reflect on the West Indies' disastrous start to the defence of their men's T20 World Cup title.

A six-wicket defeat with 70 balls of the England innings remaining after being bowed out for 55, their lowest total in the competition's history, means it was the worst possible way to kick off the campaign.

Though England be credited with the way they rotated and deployed their bowlers, giving Moeen Ali three overs in the powerplay against the left-handed heavy top-order, the Windies lacked patience and an ability to adjust. Only Chris Gayle reached double figures and the line-up cleared the rope just once.

Defeat is a continuation of the wretched run of form West Indies have endured since arriving in the United Arab Emirates, having lost both of their warm-up games to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"The team were not good enough on all counts, especially starting with the bat," Pollard said at the post-match presentation. 

"Being bowled out for 55 is unacceptable, we accept that. These sorts of games sometimes, as a unit we just need to bin it and move on.

"For us, it's just a matter of finding our straps. We haven't batted well in the three games so far and we have to try and find a way to put a competitive total on the board. 

"The guys went out and tried to play their shots and it didn't come off. It is what it is and we move on from here."

^{Akeal Hosein's catch was by far the outstanding moment for the West Indies}

Attempts to do just that will start against South Africa, also beaten in their opening game against Australia though in vastly different circumstances, begin on Tuesday (October 26).

Akeal Hosein produced the stand-out moment of the match for the Men in Maroon, taking a brilliant one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss Liam Livingstone.

Pollard will be looking to his experienced charges to help inspire a change of fortunes. Seven of the 15 have been part of winning campaigns in either 2012 or 2016 and should ensure there are no extreme reactions.

"I don't think any sort of panic will come into the camp," added the 34-year-old. "We just need to accept it. It is plain to see what we did and we have to take it on the chest as big men and move on because this is international sport. 

"Obviously, we play a lot of cricket around the world, and this is not the first time something like this has happened in any team or environment. 

"This is not new to any one of us because even had it as we play a lot of cricket. With the experienced guys, it is easy for us to move on."

RELATED LINKS

England thump West Indies in World Cup opener

Moeen Ali proves to be England's ultimate power play

England and West Indies take the knee ahead of men's T20 World Cup Super 12 match