Left: The Englishmen celebrate their
18-run win over the West Indies in yesterday's World Cup match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
pic/getty images

Earlier, England were bowled out for 243 in 48.4 overs.

"Not for one minute can anyone dare question the commitment of this English team. I know that I never did," Atherton told MiD DAY.

"They have been on the road for almost six months now ufffd and let's not forget they have provided some great entertainment in this World Cup. If anything, this will serve as a wake-up call for the administrators with regard to the atrocious scheduling. I can never question the character of this English team ufffd they have played with lot of courage and heart," added Atherton.

Pringle said that the administrators must take the blame for England's inconsistent performance. "I've said it all along - the administrators who agreed to England's winter schedule must shoulder their share of the blame. The Ashes was always going to be draining whatever the result and to organise seven one-day internationals afterwards, with all the vast travel that happens during this sort of a tournament, was a scary itinerary," Pringle told MiD DAY.