England In A Spin...

Both teams had qualified for the 'Super 8' stage of the 2012 World T20 before they took to the field under the Colombo lights, but neither England or India were treating this one like a "dead-rubber".

The stage was set for these two heavyweights of the game to ignite the competition; unleashing fireworks and drama that the shortest form of the game offers in abundance. But one team didn't read the script.

England turned up to the Sri Lankan capital on Sunday night, but only in body, not spirit. The defending champions were made to look like a minnow by the heavily supported India, who crushed them with authority, ruthlessness and, above all, class.

So why did England fail so badly? There's only one answer...they cannot play spin.

Five of the top seven fell to spin. This stat would be frightening at the best of times, but a few added facts made this an extremely worrying one. Firstly, the pitch offered little for spinners, which was backed-up by England's decision to play seamer Bresnan instead of Samit Patel. Secondly, the spinning wicket-taking culprits for India were Chawla and Singh. Without wanting to offend anyone, these two shouldn't be capable of rattling through an England batting order like they did. There is no mystery there, no Warne-esque skill or Ajmal-like variety; for international batsmen, this should have been straight-forward.

This isn't the first time England's lack of ability to play spin has been highlighted in recent times. Both Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal in the tour to the UAE in January and Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath in the April tour can vouch for that.

Unless there is improvement for England, Flower and Co. must see this as a huge problem, especially with a Test tour to India looming; and you can guarantee that they will prepare spinner-friendly pitches in their own back yard. Even Eoin Morgan, who has been hailed as one of the best players of spin in the England squad, looked all at sea against India's placid tweak-duo.

Colombo expected fireworks, but the only ones provided were the crackers that went off when each England victim fell.

Let's not get too down-beat though, England didn't get to where they are without learning from their mistakes and improving weaknesses. They look to bounce-back against the West Indies in Pallekele on Thursday - but look out for wily 'offie' Sunil Narine, who was awarded IPL Player of the Tournament in his début season for Kolkata Knight Riders - there's certainly some mystery there...