We're gutted but proud: Vaughan

St Peter's, Antigua, Apr 5 (UNI) England skipper Michael Vaughan has hailed his team's showing against Sri Lanka saying they have done him proud by putting up such a fantastic display.

''Yes I am disappointed that we lost two points, but I am proud of my team's effort,'' Vaughan told news persons after his team lost to Sri Lanka by just two runs in a Super Eight league match yesterday.

''The dressing room, as you can imagine, is quiet but they should be happy of a superb effort,'' he said adding that there were several positives for the side from the match despite the loss.

''Ravi (Bopara) and 'Nicco' (Paul Nixon) were brilliant and I thought we were going to do it, but it wasn't to be. We're gutted, but proud,'' he said.

The skipper hailed young all-rounder and man of the match Ravi Bopara, who almost took England home.

''I think we might have found quite a player there,'' he said.

''We were outstanding in the field and I thought the bowlers did everything I could have asked for in restricting them to 235. It was a total we felt we could chase. Obviously, it wasn't the best start for us but at 100-2 we were cruising. Then we go and lose four quick wickets.

''For Ravi, to keep his head so well in a tough situation like that, was remarkable. Like I say, it's disappointing, but we must look to the positives.'' However, 21-year old Bopara downplayed his efforts, but asserted that his side could look to Sunday's Super Eight match against Australia with confidence.

''I'm not sure I deserved man-of-the-match award as there were a few performances in our team,'' he said and added: ''The plan from me and Nixon was to knock it around and then see where we with five overs left and we came so close.'' ''It's just really disappointing. But, with the spirit we've shown today and with the fact that we've beaten Australia three times recently, there's no need for us to fear them,'' he said.

UNI