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Flower hoping defeat sparks new beginning

Andy Flower is hoping some good can come out of defeat © Getty Images

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England coach Andy Flower is hoping his side's humiliating 5-0 series whitewash in India can bring about a fresh approach to their one-day game.

England's winless streak continued on Tuesday as they threw away a position of 129 without loss to be skittled for 176 in only 37 overs when chasing 272 for victory.

The underwhelming performance and batting collapse was reminiscent of Flower's first match in charge when, facing West Indies, England were bowled out for 51 at Sabina Park, Jamaica, and went on to lose by an innings en route to a 1-0 Test series defeat.

England performed well on home soil in September, wrapping up a 3-0 ODI series win over India, but their worrying 50-over form on the sub-continent is proving a major headache for Flower.

"We have to change the traditional limitations against spin and certainly by the time we come out here in 14 months' time to play another limited-overs series we have to look at it very differently," he said.

"If we can use this as a catalyst for that sort of change then some good can come of it. I was unfortunately reflecting last night on a similar feeling after being 51 all out in Jamaica two-and-a-half years ago.

"If we can use it to start something better in our sub-continent limited-overs batting then some good can come of this."

With the ODI series now behind them, England have the chance to finish the tour on a high when they play India in a one-off Twenty20 match in Kolkata on Saturday. And although they are only playing for pride, Flower says he will not tolerate anyone going through the motions with a two-month break in sight.

"I don't think that is a challenge," Flower said. "We're representing England, and you can't win all the time. We want strong people in our squad. If anyone is going to be cowed by a few defeats then this is not the place for them."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.