England look to get back on track against Canada

GROS ISLET, St Lucia, Mar 17 (Reuters) England can quickly get the defeat to New Zealand out of their system when they take on Canada in their second World Cup Group C match tomorrow.

Yesterday's six-wicket loss to New Zealand included a middle-order collapse and some questionable shot selection but changes were not expected against group outsiders Canada, who were easily beaten by Kenya today.

''Everything is not lost yet. We have lost before and come back strongly. They have showed a lot of character before and hopefully they'll do it again,'' England coach Duncan Fletcher told reporters on Saturday.

England had a day off on Saturday rather than using the time for extra net sessions. Struggling opener Ed Joyce made a second-ball duck on Friday and all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was out from his first delivery.

''We'll just sit and chat to them today. We'll have a team meeting, reflect on the game and make some decisions after that,'' Fletcher added.

'ATTACKING BOWLER' He also hinted seamer James Anderson would keep his place after taking two wickets yesterday despite a broken little finger on his bowling hand.

''He showed the potential that he's got. I think he is a very exciting one-day bowler, he is an attacking bowler.'' Canada captain John Davison said some of his side played like a village team in the seven-wicket defeat to Kenya.

Three tailenders were run out in comical fashion and they generally failed to compete with Kenya, still a minor nation themselves.

Fast bowler Anderson Cummins, who featured for West Indies in the 1992 World Cup, is now playing for Canada and despite being 40 years old he showed some nip and bounce against Kenya and could worry England on the same Beausejour pitch.

Opener Geoff Barnett also looked a useful proposition when he smashed 41 against Kenya.

England should win easily though and even if their middle-order stumbles again, wicketkeeper Paul Nixon showed his ability with the bat with a battling 42 not out against New Zealand.

Captain Michael Vaughan managed to complete the whole game after recovering from knee and hamstring trouble and is confident he should be fit for the remainder of the World Cup.

The seven-week tournament culiminates with the final in Barbados on April 28.

REUTERS PDS PM0016