Shahid Afridi struggling to motivate the troops
08/09/2010
Shahid Afridi has admitted he faces an uphill struggle to lift his team before the start of the England v Pakistan ODI series.
The captain of the tourists could do nothing to prevent his side from suffering a heavy defeat in last night's (September 7th 2010) Twenty20 clash with Paul Collingwood's men, in which they were bowled out for 89.
England then needed just 14 overs to reach the modest target to record a six-wicket victory.
With cricket hospitality seats now being snapped up for the England v Pakistan ODI campaign, which starts on September 10th, Afridi accepted it would be a "big challenge" for his men to compete in the series.
He said morale in the camp is currently "very down", but added: "One victory and it will be very high."
There will be five matches in the ODI series, including trips to the Brit Insurance Oval on September 17th and Lord's three days later.
Posted by Liz Johnstone