No excuses were tenable in the aftermath and none was proffered by the captain, Adam Hollioake. ``Just about everything went wrong over the two days and we didn't compete,'' he said.

``It's not a trend but our batting let us down badly and we'll be looking to put that right. The team aren't jaded and playing for England should be inspiration enough.''

``Everything is always rosy when you're winning and everyone feels good when that happens. But when you go down I think you have to take it on the chest like a man and come back out fighting.''

After success in Sharjah, the denouement here has been a major disappointment. But the loss of Graham Thorpe as a left-hander in the middle order has been crucial, and slow left-arm bowler Ashley Giles would also have been an asset. ``Certainly the last match is a test of the side's character and my captaincy,'' Hollioake added.

The West Indies, meanwhile, are euphoric, having successfully employed the England theme of interchanging batting and bowling all-rounders. More new blood is expected to be introduced on Wednesday in an effort to formalise their best squad for the World Cup.