Fletcher defends England's flop show

England coach Duncan Fletcher argued that the conditions had worked against his team as they were bundled out for 225 against South Africa A.

England were bundled out for 225 by South Africa A on the opening day of their final warm-up match before the Test series.

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The home side then reached 133 for two in reply.

Put in on a pitch that offered bounce but little lateral movement, Michael Vaughan's side had no answer to the swing bowling of Charl Langeveldt, who removed four of the top six batsmen on his way to figures of five for 48 in 15 overs.

England coach Duncan Fletcher, however, argued the conditions had worked against his side.

"It was an excellent toss to win because there was plenty of bounce and the ball seamed all over the place in the morning," Fletcher said.

"There were some soft wickets, but sitting around on that sort of pitch won't help either."