Mumbai, Oct 21: Despite one of his key bowlers, speedster Tim Bresnan, copping a fine for showing dissent at the umpire's decision in the third ODI against India at Mohali, England coach Andy Flower today insisted that his team's general conduct was a matter of pride.
“I am very proud of our record and the way we conduct ourselves in international cricket. Generally we set high standards,” Flower told reporters on his team's arrival in the city today, ahead of the fourth and penultimate match at the Wankhede Stadium on October 23.
On Bresnan's behaviour that led him being slapped a fine of 7.5 per cent match fee by match referee Roshan Mahanama, Flower defended his player's conduct saying he had snatched the cap from the umpire out of frustration and not as a show of dissent and had apologised to the concerned umpire.
“He pleaded not guilty. Firstly, he apologised in the meeting for snatching the cap (from the umpire). Secondly, he said he snatched the cap out of frustration (because of the number of runs he gave). It's nothing to do with dissent, that's what I found. He's fine young man and has a very good disciplinary record,” the former Zimbabwe captain said.
Flower also played down India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's post-match comments that England should be nicer to the opposition.
“I have seen some of the comments. As a principle we try to focus in our jobs and we refrain from making moral judgment about the opposition,” the England coach said.
“It's important to be nice to your opposition team. When you are under pressure you will definitely commit mistakes.
England have five specialist bowlers. As far as talent is concerned, they are a very good side but they need to stick together in the next two games,” the Indian skipper had said after his team's series-snatching 5-wicket win.
