England head coach Matthew Mott has faced down his critics, claiming he and captain Jos Buttler are the right men to make the side "bigger, badder and better" after more World Cup disappointment. The days of England being able to boast about being the kings of limited-overs cricket are now officially over, surrendering their T20 crown in a 68-run semi-final thrashing by India on Thursday having already lost the 50-over title in abject fashion late last year. Now it is up to Mott to make the case that he can turn things around.
The Australian, who is halfway through a four-year contract, has faced scrutiny over his position with former Somerset star and Taunton-born Buttle also under pressure. Director of cricket Rob Key will have the final call, judging whether a last-four finish represents the kind of progress he was looking for when offering the pair his backing last time around. Speaking after their exit in India last November, Key said: "I feel this should actually be the making of those two as a partnership.
If it isn't, it isn't, and you move on." While England were ruthless against their associate opponents, hammering Oman, Namibia and the United States, their efforts against full member nations were less than stellar in the Caribbean - losing three times and winning just once against the West Indies. But although Mott expects the slings and arrows to follow, he believes things are improving.
"Obviously we're in a results driven business and you guys (in the media) wil.