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England have poked the bear, and they better get ready to pay the price.
England captain Eoin Morgan lit the fuse ahead of his team’s World Cup showdown against Australia by downplaying Mitchell Johnson’s match-winning feats in the Tri-Series final.
Johnson tore the heart out of England’s top order on Sunday with 3-27 to lift Australia to a crushing 112-run victory at the WACA Ground.
Morgan was among Johnson’s victims, with the 28-year-old bowled for a golden duck when he chose to shoulder arms.
Johnson terrorised England’s batsmen during the last Ashes series, and he has a chance to inflict even more pain when the two teams lock horns in their opening World Cup game at the MCG on February 14.
However, Morgan was quick to scoff at suggestions that Johnson’s scintillating Tri-Series display had reopened old wounds.
“Absolutely not,” Morgan said.
“I don’t think he swung it.
“We put ourselves under pressure. I think it probably could have been anybody bowling. We had a really bad day. That’s the best way to describe it.”
Australian allrounder Glenn Maxwell was stunned when informed of Morgan’s comments.
“What sort of comment is that?” a bemused Maxwell said.
“He had 3-11 at one stage and tore through the top order.
“They can be not worried at all, but if they are getting skittled by him, they probably should be.”
Although Australia recorded three straight wins over England during the Tri-Series, Morgan said all the pressure would be on the hosts in the World Cup opener.
“I think the pressure builds on Australia from that perspective,” Morgan said.
“They’re a home side, first game of the World Cup, playing against a dangerous side.
“We’re going out with all guns blazing. There’s no pressure from our point of view.”
Australia have set a goal to go unbeaten throughout the World Cup, and Maxwell thinks the team is well placed to achieve that.
Maxwell further cemented his spot in the side with a quick-fire 95 with the bat and 4-46 with the ball against England.
But the availability of fellow all-rounder James Faulkner is up in the air after he appeared to strain his side while bowling against England.
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