After 9969 days, England reached the Cricket World Cup final. Yes, the last time they played in the World Cup final was in 1992, and its a coincidence that the current team is wearing the retro jersey of World Cup 1992. The English team dominated the Aussies throughout the game.
On a batting paradise wicket, Australia won the toss and decided to bat first, and they were off to a horrible start. Finch and Warner, their leading batsmen, got out in the first three overs, the new inclusion Handscomb was dismissed too early, and Australia reduced to 14 of 3 in the World Cup semi-final against their arch-rivals. Steve Smith who was welcomed with boos, built the innings with new batting sensation, the wicket-keeper Alex Carey, as they both added 103 runs for the fourth wicket. However, the partnership was broken by the leggie Adil Rashid who got rid of Carey in the 28th over. Adil Rashid picked two more and put Australia on the back foot. Smith and Starc added 51 runs for the 8th wicket before Smith ran out on a direct hit from Buttler. Australia finished at 223 runs on board in 49th over. Woakes bowled superbly in the first spell while Rashid in the second, both took three wickets each. Archer was as usual at his best, took 2 for 32.
England started with a bang, Jason Roy, in particular, was severe to any length balls, smashing them for boundaries. Bairstow, on the other hand, was admiring Joy’s batting and was just giving the strike to him, who was in the mood of thrashing every bowler. Joy’s four out of five sixes came against the spinners, especially against Smith when he hit him for three consecutive sixes. The openers added 124 runs, ultimately putting Australia out of the game. Bairstow was caught in front of Strac and adjudged LBW by the umpire. In a controversial decision by Dharamsena, Jason Roy was given out caught behind. Roy questioned the decision on the field, but England had no DRS left in the game. Roy made 85 off 65 with nine fours and five sixes. Root and Morgan completed the formality and England won the match by eight wickets with more than 100 balls left in the innings. Woakes got the man of the match award for his excellent opening spell against the Australian batsmen.
VIDEO Highlight
STATS
- Joy and Bairstow added the fourth hundred runs partnership in World Cup 2019, the most by any pair in single world cup edition.
- Starc took his 27th wicket of the tournament, the most by any bowler in a single world cup edition. Previous best – McGrath (26 wickets in 2007).
