England pampered and mollycoddled, say former captains

LONDON, Jan 6 (Reuters) Former captains Nasser Hussain and Bob Willis have slammed England's performance in the 5-0 Ashes whitewash by Australia, accusing the players of being pampered and mollycoddled.

''I have travelled with the Australians a little bit, I've been staying in the same hotels and they get on a little minibus every morning,'' Hussain told Sky Sports.

''England get on this big bus with security guards and 45 backroom staff. They are all pampered, their bags are looked after and everything's OK, there's no need for them to look over their shoulders.'' Former batsman Hussain, who led England between 1999 and 2003, said Australia's players had their feet on the ground.

''Australia are just a down to earth bunch. They just say 'we might be superstars but that's not why we do it. We've been asked by our captain to win the series 5-0 and we've done our job, no more than that.

''The character's been lacking (with England).'' Willis, who captained England 18 times in the 1980s, agreed with Hussain.

''They (England) are pampered and mollycoddled,'' said the former fast bowler.

Willis said a television interview given by fast bowler Steve Harmison typified England's lacklustre approach.

''What summed it up for me was when Harmison was interviewed by Michael Atherton, who asked him what his programme would be from Jan. 5 to when the first test against the West Indies starts (in May),'' said Willis.

''He said, 'I don't know, you'd better ask the coach (Duncan Fletcher'. The guy has played nearly 50 tests for England and he should know how to prepare himself.'' Harmison has retired from one-day internationals and will miss the triangular series in Australia that also features New Zealand, and the World Cup in the Caribbean starting in March.

Willis said England's approach was in stark contrast to that of the Australians.

''These (England) guys just don't take responsibility,'' he said.

''Take a look at the Australians. Each individual stands up and says, 'I will change the course of the game'.'' REUTERS PM HS0907