Disappointed Salisbury backs team-mates to win in Sri Lanka

Ian Salisbury has spoken of his disappointment at losing his England place after the tour of Pakistan.

In an interview with BBC Radio 5Live he admitted that he had not done himself justice with the ball in Pakistan, but thoroughly backed coach, Duncan Fletcher and skipper, Nasser Hussain, to lead England to a fourth consecutive series win, this time against Sri Lanka.

"I have come to terms with it, but it is hugely disappointing," conceded Salisbury. "I felt I played my part in the series victory, but not in the vein I should have," he said, referring to his vital contributions with the bat, but return of just one wicket.

"I worked hard for two years to regain a Test place," Salisbury commented, "and it didn't quite come off. I didn't bowl well enough. To get home and be told right before Christmas (that he wouldn't be going to Sri Lanka) wasn't the nicest present."

Salisbury confessed that he had let the pressure affect his performance. "I felt I bowled ok in the first Test," he said. "I had a few decisions go against me. I couldn't have tried harder. I put a lot of pressure on myself, and the harder I tried the less rhythm I could find. I was really upset. It was heart breaking."

Asked whether he thought this would spell the end of his Test career, Salisbury replied: "Hopefully not, but it could be - probably yes."

But Salisbury was full of praise for Duncan Fletcher and Nasser Hussain. "They've gelled the side together," the Surrey leg-spinner acknowledged. "England have won three consecutive Test series, and I can see no reason they won't add a fourth."