Powerplays cause problems

Nagpur - If England can take any consolation from their high-profile stumble in the powerplay against India, it is that few teams have successfully got to grips with the format at the World Cup.

The batting powerplay draws all but three fielders inside the circle, and theoretically offers sides an opportunity to go for big hits over the top. But as England showed, it can also disrupt a team's rhythm by tempting batsmen to take unusual and unnecessary risks.

England looked to be on course for victory on Sunday until they opted for the five-over powerplay in the 43rd over.

Four wickets fell for the addition of just 25 runs, and captain Andrew Strauss says, "These powerplays can affect you both ways and unfortunately it affected us in the negative way."

Similarly, India's second batting powerplay brought only 32 runs with the loss of a wicket.