Form slump has battered Aussie egos: Buchanan

Sydney, Feb 27 (UNI) Australian coach John Buchanan has conceded that five successive losses at the hands of England and New Zealand has left the World Champions with battered egos going into next month's World Cup in the West Indies.

''There is a bit of ego battered more than anything else,'' Buchanan was quoted by 'The Daily Telegraph' as saying.

His comments come after Australia lost the tri-nation finals 0-2 to England before going down 0-3 against New Zealand in the Chappell-Hadlee series. The World Champions have also been plagued by injuries having lost pace spearhead Brett Lee to an ankle injury and the participation of star all-rounder Andrew Symonds also looking doubtful after shoulder surgery.

Buchanan said bowling has become a major area of concern after Lee's injury.

''That is a major area for us to concentrate on. If you are getting belted around the park all the time you have lost confidence. It comes back to being very clear on our opposition,'' he said.

''Having the ability to execute what we have to do. You have to know your rivals and train that way. We just have to make sure that area is improved upon in the World Cup,'' he added.

UNI