England's opening batsman Dawid Malan believes it would be unjust to hold coach Matthew Mott responsible for the team's lackluster performance in their attempt to defend their title at the 50-overs ICC World Cup in India.
The current champions find themselves at the bottom of the standings, having suffered five defeats in six matches. Their hopes of securing a spot in the semi-finals now rely solely on mathematical possibilities.
England's solitary victory in the tournament was against Bangladesh, and their recent loss to the table-topping India marked their fourth consecutive defeat.
"Motty is not the one walking out on the field," Malan told BBC Sport ahead of their next match against a resurgent Australia on Saturday. "As players, we need to take responsibility when we cross that rope. We are being given everything we need to perform.
"The facilities and work, everything is being done as it always has been. We just haven't been able to find a way to get wins on the board. It has been frustrating from the players' point of view because we know we're better than that."
Despite possessing a batting lineup filled with star talent, England have been unable to post a total exceeding 200 runs in their most recent three matches. Moreover, they have failed to complete their allotted 50 overs in their past four outings.
"We've played six games now and we've not been anywhere near where we wanted to be, so it is disappointing from that point of view," Malan said.
"It is really hard to sum up. We just can't seem to get anything going at the moment or any rhythm or momentum. We're not used to being in this position."
To secure a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, England must achieve a top-eight finish. Malan, aged 36, expressed their commitment to striving for peak performance in their upcoming group matches.
"I'm pretty sure I'll be done for that but I'd love the guys to play in that," Malan said. "Hopefully we can find the momentum and finish the World Cup on a high."
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