Strauss demands England improvement

BANGALORE, India, Mar 3 (AFP): Shell-shocked England captain Andrew Strauss admitted his side needed to raise their game against in-form South Africa after slumping to a demoralising World Cup defeat by Ireland. Kevin O'Brien struck the fastest-ever World Cup century as Ireland won by three wickets after setting a new record score by a team batting second to win a World Cup match, of 329 for seven. Worryingly for England, their past four World Cup matches have seen them concede their four highest tournament totals -- 300 against the West Indies in their final match of the 2007 edition, 292 in their win against the Netherlands in this competition and 338 in Sunday's thrilling tie against co-hosts India. England dropped several catches against Ireland, with skipper Strauss putting down a skier to hand O'Brien a reprieve when he had made 91. Their attack was smashed for 62 runs in the five-over batting powerplay with fast bowler Stuart Broad conceding 73 runs in nine overs and seamer Tim Bresnan going for 64 in 10. Michael Yardy's spin was also expensive.