London, March 11 (IANS) Former England Test batsman Mark Butcher believes his country’s early cricket World Cup exit is just the beginning of what he expects will be an "absolutely dreadful" year for coach Peter Moores' side.
England were knocked out of the quadrennial event after they lost against Bangladesh by 15 runs in a Pool A game at the Adelaide Oval on Monday - their fourth loss in five matches.
“I can see it being an absolutely dreadful six months, eight months or so of cricket for England and I'm sorry to have to say that," Butcher was quoted as saying by the cricket.com.au on Wednesday.
Butcher, who played the last of his 74 Tests in 2004, says the looming northern summer against New Zealand and Australia will bring more pain for English fans.
"We're going to be playing against New Zealand in the first part of the summer at Test match cricket. And that team, I'm afraid, with things the way they are at the moment and the team we have at the moment, are going to give us an absolute hiding," he said referring to the present England team condition.
"And when Australia come, just don't watch, hide behind the sofa,” added the 42-year-old.