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Cricket

Vaughan reveals frustration

14/07/2008

England captain Michael Vaughan revealed his frustration having been unable to bowl out South Africa in the first Test at Lord's, despite having two full days to do so.

Vaughan instead had to settle for a draw and hope that England can take their form from the first three days of the first Test into Friday's second Test at Headingley.

"It was frustrating," Vaughan said.

"The first three days, we were outstanding; the last two days, we gave it everything and tried every trick in the book.

"Full credit to South Africa - the way that they batted - but I can't fault or ask any more of my players than what they gave out there.

"After we got 593 and then bowled them out for 247, we all thought the game was there to win," Vaughan conceded.

"But the last six games here have all been draws - which tells you that the wicket gets better and better."

Monty Panesar appeared to let his frustrations get the better of him and at one point had to be spoken to by umpire Daryl Harper.

"He got a little bit frustrated," Vaughan said.

"But I think you can excuse him that. He'd just toiled for 60 overs in three days - and I had a word with Daryl afterwards, and he was fine."

South Africa's Neil McKenzie, who scored 138 in an innings that lasted nine-and-a-quarter hours admitted that it was difficult to maintain concentration while at the crease for so long.

"It was tough up front, but then you just relax into it," he said.

"I was stuck on 15 for a couple of hours - but I'd decided I was going to bat time.

"I always like to get the scoreboard ticking, so it was a role I haven't played too often. I think the crowd were thinking 'thank goodness I don't play it too often'.

"But that was what was required - and I just made peace with it.

"We let ourselves down the first couple of days, at a ground where we've always done so well.

"They dominated us for three days, and we showed a lot of character to come back in the last two. We're happy we got away with it but not satisfied with our performance."