Andrew Strauss deplored the preparation of the pitch at the Wanderers stadium where his side was bundled out for a meagre 146.

England lost their last Group B Champions Trophy match to New Zealand by four wickets, clearing New Zealand's way into the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Strauss blamed the 22-yard pitch for their defeat, though, he praised Kiwi openers for their splendid 84-run partnership which the took the game away from them.

"I don't think it's a great wicket for one-day cricket. You will like to see a wicket which is more consistent. Earlier we didn't quite get it.

"But credit must go to New Zealand the way the came at us with the bat, especially McCullum and Guptil," Strauss said after the match.

Got questions about your favourite team in the ICC Champions Trophy? Ask Wasim Akram. Send in your queries to fanspeak@espnstar.co.in

New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori was effusive in his praise for both the bowlers and his openers.

He said the opening wicket stand between Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptil ultimately proved crucial in their win as they stuttered to a four-wicket win.

"It was not predetermined. I think they (McCullum and Guptil) had in their minds that some of these small totals are very tricky to chase. They just played their natural game and gave us a good start. If we didn't have got that start, it could have turned out to be really tricky," Vettori said.

Have you selected your Super Selector team?