England could not quite match Hong Kong's unbeaten run on the opening day at the Karp Group and Unirich Jewellery Hong Kong Cricket Sixes but skipper Chris Read was pleased that the title defence was still alive and warned his side could only get better.
Five-time champions England recorded back-to-back wins over India and Pakistan before stumbling against Sri Lanka in a game of little consequence to them as they had already booked their berth in the four-team cup competition.
'We are yet to play our best cricket,' Read said. 'I'm delighted that we are in the cup although it would have been nice to have remained unbeaten, but all credit to Sri Lanka.'
Sri Lanka will join England and progress through to the cup competition while South Africa and Hong Kong emerged victorious from the other group. The four teams will play a round-robin competition with the top two meeting in the cup final this evening at the Kowloon Cricket Club.
Although pleased at his side's progress, Read was concerned that they were still not firing on all cylinders. Of concern would be his bowling attack. England's bowling in the past has been steady, sticking to strict line and length. But yesterday they were less disciplined.
Amongst the culprits was Graham Napier - part of the England team at the ICC World Twenty20 earlier this year - who bowled the most expensive over of the day, conceding 38 runs against Pakistan. Then there was Peter Trego giving away 30 to Sri Lanka and Graham Wagg being hoisted for 27 runs against India.
'Only two or three guys are firing in any one game and that is a concern, but having said that, I'm pleased that we have done the job today,' said Read. But as far as the batting is concerned, Read need not worry. His batsmen, especially openers Trego and Darren Stevens, were menacing all day.
