Heading into the 2019 Cricket World Cup as warm favourites, confident of chasing down any total with the bat, it’s fair to see the campaign has not gone to plan for England.
Upset losses to Pakistan and Sri Lanka added some spice to a group stage that had threatened to go stale but, after Tuesday night’s loss to Australia, the hosts are now in serious danger of missing the semis.
With matches against powerhouses New Zealand and India to come, the pre-tournament favourites have their work cut out for them if they want to reach the knockout stages.
So where has it gone so badly wrong?
Roar cricket expert David Schout joined us on the Game of Codes podcast to put the faltering favourites under the microscope.
Listen to the discussion:
England’s World Cup woes weren’t all we covered on the podcast’s cricket segment, with Australia’s own struggles with the bat getting a mention.
The Aussies have punched their ticket to the semi-finals and, if the Poms do miss out, could get a considerably softer semi-final in the form of Bangladesh, Pakistan or even Sri Lanka.
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
Neel
Roar Guru
Not handling pressure, one style of batting and not adapting to tricking conditions. That’s where the downfall came. They can still make the semis, but it’s going to be really hard. I honestly don’t see them defeating India at Trent Bridge on Sunday.
Simoc
Guest
I'll just be so sad if England don't make the quarter finals. I'll cook them a Yorkshire pudding and their tears will soften the over cooked crust when they come to digest it. The pitches haven't been suited to flat track bullies like the Poms have in spades. Apparently, the wet weather has conspired against them. But if they get through I wouldn't mind Australia playing them in the final. It would be a ripper. They will look like schoolboys without pants if they get so thoroughly demolished for a second time. What's apparent is they aren't with it at present and Australia, NZ, India and Pakistan are so they will have to lift which they will (they don't have a choice there). The media have started turning on them which is all they need. So pleased for Behrendorff getting five at Lords, and Starc continuing his fantastic form. On the back of the great opening partnerships, we are seeing. Quite a fete staying in the other night early.