We associate this modern English side to firepower and dominance, unlike the English teams in the past. They’ve changed their entire mindset since the 2015 world cup. They’re a force to reckon with. The England that we know came to the party in the second semi final between England and Australia.
Coming into the game, many knew it was going to be one to remember, but no one had expected it to be this one-sided. Australia have somehow found a way to do well in World Cups, and they were on course to winning this one as well. But the modern England side delivered when it mattered most. Everything fell into place for the hosts, as they rattled the Aussie batting line up for 223/10, with Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid picking up 3 a piece. The visitors didn’t look in control throughout the innings. Smith and Carey strung together a partnership of sorts, but neither of them could stay long enough to put up a competitive score on the board.
With a meagre 224 to get in 50 overs, it would’ve been understandable if the England openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow took a careful approach. But they chose not to. They took the Aussie bowling attack to the cleaners. The opening duo got off to blistering starts as the man from Surrey, Jason Roy got to 85 in no time before copping a terrible decision from umpire Kumar Dharmasena. Their first wicket fell at 124, with the match all but gone from Australia’s grasp. It didn’t look like England were playing a home semi final. They chased the total down with 17.5 overs to spare. A comprehensive semi final victory to say the least.
If the same England team (in their approach) come out all-guns-blazing at Lord’s on 14th, we are guaranteed to see them lift their first ever World Cup trophy. It’ll be a riveting contest at the Home Of Cricket, and as watchers we are sure to get a game that’s worth our time.
-Vibhor Dubey
The Average Cricketer 