Skip to main content
BBC SPORT / ENGLAND
Graphics Version | BBC News Home
Sport Homepage | Football | World Cup 2010 | Formula 1 | Olympics | Vancouver 2010 | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Athletics | Cycling | Motorbikes | Boxing | Snooker | Horse Racing | Disability Sport | Other sport... | Sports Personality | TV/Radio Schedule | Sport Academy | Fun and Games | Inside Sport | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales
Cricket Contents:  Future tour dates | England | International Teams | Counties | Women's cricket | Skills | Laws & Equipment | Get Involved | Test Match Special

Tuesday, 23 May 2006, 13:34 GMT 14:34 UK

Jones promises improved fielding

Geraint Jones Geraint Jones says England will deliver a "big performance" in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston to atone for a poor fielding display at Lord's.

England dropped nine catches in the first Test and drew a match they could have won with two days to spare.

"We've all copped a bit of criticism this week and we're a side that likes to react to that," Kent wicket-keeper Jones told BBC Radio Five Live.

"The dropped catches cost us heavily. A few guys are looking to prove a point."

However, Jones, who missed two chances himself, denied the mishaps in the field were caused by complacency.

"We'll be looking to take everything and you'll see a vast improvement"
England wicket-keeper Geraint Jones

"The Sri Lankans batted well, it was a good wicket and their first innings total didn't indicate how good a wicket it actually was," said the Kent gloveman.

"If it wasn't for the dropped catches we would have wrapped it up.

"As fielders you try to help the bowlers out by adding three wickets, whether they be run-outs or half-chances that are turned into dismissals.

"But it's probably the first time since I've been involved that the fielding side hasn't played their part in that respect.

"This Test will be a lot different. We'll still practice the same amount and we'll be looking to take everything and you'll see a vast improvement."

Durham youngster Liam Plunkett, who will again be one of England's four seamers while occupying the number eight spot, is refusing to eye a possible spot in the Ashes squad.

He said: "I think it is important for me to try to grab the opportunity with Harmy [Steve Harmison] and Simon Jones out.

"My first Test in England was everything I expected it would be"
Liam Plunkett

"In this situation you need to try and make an impression and hopefully grab a few wickets so if the spot opens up again you're right back in there.

"I know if Harmy and Simon are fully fit they will just come back into the team, so hopefully I can keep performing well and if the place comes up again I'll fit into that slot."

Plunkett played two Tests for England in Pakistan before making his home debut at Lord's.

He is yet to finish on a winning side and said: "My first Test in England was everything I expected it would be.

"I was more nervous because it was at home and with the English public looking on.

"All the time I was out there I felt like we were going to knock them over. I thought we were going to win any minute, but it just didn't come."



E-mail this to a friend
Related to this story:

Paul Collingwood column (23 May 06 |  England )
Sri Lanka 'must play Jayasuriya' (23 May 06 |  England )
England leave out bowler Harmison (21 May 06 |  England )
England's costly drops (15 May 06 |  England )
Defiant Sri Lanka thwart England (15 May 06 |  England )
Sri Lanka in England 2006 (27 Jun 05 |  Future tour dates )
Live cricket on the BBC (19 Apr 06 |  Cricket )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Birmingham weather
England and Wales Cricket Board
BBC Asian Network Sport
Your say on England - TMS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC SPORT: 

Sport Homepage | Football | World Cup 2010 | Formula 1 | Olympics | Vancouver 2010 | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Athletics | Cycling | Motorbikes | Boxing | Snooker | Horse Racing | Disability Sport | Other sport... | Sports Personality | TV/Radio Schedule | Sport Academy | Fun and Games | Inside Sport | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales
Cricket Contents:  Future tour dates | England | International Teams | Counties | Women's cricket | Skills | Laws & Equipment | Get Involved | Test Match Special

^ Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | Feedback | Help | ©