'It was a good win for the boys against Holland ' says Ciderman Blackwell

Somerset all rounder Ian Blackwell played a significant part in England's victory over Holland in their opening match of the World Cup in East London.

After some deliberation by the England management `Blackie' was chosen to play in preference to Warwickshire's Ashley Giles and gave a good account of himself and will be disappointed not to be in the start line up for the next match against Namibia on Wednesday at Port Elizabeth.

After taking two wickets for 37 from ten overs with his slow left armers, he then hit some quick runs to end 22 not out by the time England ran out comfortable winners by six wickets with more the half of their overs to spare.

Reflecting on the match he told me: " It was a good win for the boys against Holland, and a very positive result for us all. I was not particularly happy with the way that I bowled but I'll take 2/37 in my first World Cup game."

He continued: "As the wicket was turning I tried to bowl magic deliveries and lost my length a little. Looking back I guess that I should have just bowled in one area. Still it was great to play in the World Cup for England and it is still a learning curve for me."

Regarding his batting he said: " I was also very happy with the way that I struck the ball. Everything seemed to hit the middle of the bat which will hopefully give me some much needed batting confidence after my disappointing run to take into the next game. Lets hope we can get on a roll for when we take on Pakistan next weekend and then India and Australia."