England skipper Eoin Morgan said that his side was outplayed by the defending champions in the Match 32 of Cricket World Cup 2019 on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Aaron Finch-led Australia became the first team in the ongoing edition of World Cup to enter the semi-finals after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-australia-reach-semis-with-64-run-win-over-arch-rivals-england-230432">defeating World Cup favourites England by 64 runs</a>.&nbsp;

Although, he also added that it is not hugely disappointing and the fate is in their own hands.&nbsp;

Finch made 100 to lead his team to a competitive but not imposing total of 285 for seven and in reply to that, England were all-out on 221 in 44.4 overs.&nbsp;

Ben Stokes top-scored for England with 89 but the hosts never seriously threatened to get close to their target.&nbsp;

"A lot of today, we were outplayed," said Morgan while speaking during the post-match presentation. Now, the hosts are in serious danger of failing to reach the last four.

"Little bit unlucky as Australia played and missed a lot. They built a fantastic partnership. Wicket got a little bit better, but still challenging," he added.&nbsp;

Match in numbers:&nbsp;
<img alt="Match 32" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bc9ec5bc-78c3-4449-a44b-7bf764107c5a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/match%2032_0.jpg" />
"Choosing to bat would've been a horrific decision. Finch played really well, capitalized on the start he got," Morgan defended his decision of opting to bowl first.&nbsp;

"Given the circumstances, it's not hugely disappointing. Our fate is in our own hands. Everything we need to turn around is simple. Won't search for anything that's not there," said Morgan.&nbsp;

Australia's sixth win in seven games took the defending champions into the semi-finals while England have now lost three matches and may need to beat India and New Zealand to make the last four.

England skipper Eoin Morgan said that his side was outplayed by the defending champions in the Match 32 of Cricket World Cup 2019 on Tuesday. Aaron Finch-led Australia became the first team in the ongoing edition of World Cup to enter the semi-finals after defeating World Cup favourites England by 64 runs.

England skipper Eoin Morgan said that his side was outplayed by the defending champions in the Match 32 of Cricket World Cup 2019 on Tuesday. Aaron Finch-led Australia became the first team in the ongoing edition of World Cup to enter the semi-finals after defeating World Cup favourites England by 64 runs. Although, he also added that it is not hugely disappointing and the fate is in their own hands. Finch made 100 to lead his team to a competitive but not imposing total of 285 for seven and in reply to that, England were all-out on 221 in 44.4 overs. Ben Stokes top-scored for England with 89 but the hosts never seriously threatened to get close to their target. "A lot of today, we were outplayed," said Morgan while speaking during the post-match presentation. Now, the hosts are in serious danger of failing to reach the last four. "Little bit unlucky as Australia played and missed a lot. They built a fantastic partnership. Wicket got a little bit better, but still challenging," he added. Match in numbers: "Choosing to bat would've been a horrific decision. Finch played really well, capitalized on the start he got," Morgan defended his decision of opting to bowl first. "Given the circumstances, it's not hugely disappointing. Our fate is in our own hands. Everything we need to turn around is simple. Won't search for anything that's not there," said Morgan. Australia's sixth win in seven games took the defending champions into the semi-finals while England have now lost three matches and may need to beat India and New Zealand to make the last four.

'It's not hugely disappointing, fate is in our own hands,' says Eoin Morgan after losing to Australia

Australia <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-32-england-vs-australia-230276">confirmed their place in the semi-finals</a> of the Cricket World Cup on Tuesday with a comprehensive 64-run victory against England.

Australian skipper Aaron Finch made exactly 100 in a total of 285-7 before England slumped to 221 all out with 32 balls left.

The recalled Behrendorff took 5-44 -- his first five-wicket haul in a one-day international -- while Starc became the leading bowler at the tournament with 19 scalps thanks to a haul of 4-43.

For England, who entered the showpiece event as the top-ranked side in ODI cricket, this was a second straight defeat after their shock 20-run loss to Sri Lanka.

The host nation, bidding to win a first World Cup title, can still qualify for the semi-finals but they are likely to need to beat at least one of India and New Zealand in their remaining two group games.

"There are teams that you have confidence playing against but I have had plenty of low scores against England as well," said man-of-the-match Finch.

"It was nipping around first thing. We were as tight as we could be and then took advantage of any width."

Match in number:
<img alt="Match 32" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c0ef42c-b04d-483c-889c-236be8d6de3b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/match%2032.jpg" />
England's reply saw them lose a wicket off just the second ball of their chase, with the struggling James Vince -- only playing because Jason Roy was out with a hamstring injury -- bowled by a Behrendorff inswinger.

Starc then took two wickets in nine balls.

Test skipper Joe Root was plumb lbw to an inswinger for eight before England captain Eoin Morgan (four) fell into a hooking trap when a top-edge was held safely by Pat Cummins at fine leg.

Australia, who had lost 10 of their previous 11 ODIS against England, were in complete charge with the hosts now 26-3.

England have surged to the top of the ODI rankings on the back of aggressive run-scoring but the worry for Morgan's men is that too many of their top-order appear to know only one way to bat.

Careless England

Jonny Bairstow, for example, fell next to a careless hook off Behrendorff before Stokes and Jos Buttler (25) repaired some of the damage with a fifth-wicket stand of 71.

Buttler was well caught by Usman Khawaja, running round and staying just inside the deep square leg boundary off Marcus Stoinis.

Stokes defiantly hit Glenn Maxwell for two sixes in three balls but, shortly before completing his fifty, the all-rounder pulled up with a calf injury.

Starc was brought back to take a key wicket and duly obliged with a thunderbolt yorker, his 18th wicket of the tournament, that ended Stokes's 115-ball innings of 89, including eight fours and two sixes.&nbsp;

Stokes's dismissal left England 177-6 in the 37th over and effectively ended the contest. Starc ended the match when he dismissed Adil Rashid.

Here's the points table:

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Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan fans, how does this table look?!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/LOOWRAGXHH">pic.twitter.com/LOOWRAGXHH</a>
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1143568289144233984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier Finch, dropped on 15, and fellow opener David Warner (53) came through some testing early overs to share a stand of 123 as too many of England's pacemen, with the exception of Chris Woakes, dropped short. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The skipper's exit sparked a late flurry of wickets but Australia had enough runs on the board.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC15?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC15</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 v 🇦🇺 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AaronFinch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AaronFinch</a> 💯 
Mitchell Starc four-for 
🇦🇺 win<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 v 🇦🇺 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AaronFinch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AaronFinch</a> 💯 
Mitchell Starc four-for 
🇦🇺 win <a href="https://t.co/q9kUmo8k3q">pic.twitter.com/q9kUmo8k3q</a>
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1143573290562314240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Both Warner, the World Cup's leading run-scorer, and Steve Smith were booed as they entered and exited the field following their recent return from year-long bans for ball-tampering.&nbsp;

Finch went to his century thanks to a misfield by Woakes but next ball he miscued a hook off Jofra Archer and Woakes held the catch at fine leg.&nbsp;

The skipper faced 116 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes in his second century of this World Cup following his 153 against Sri Lanka.

Australia confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup on Tuesday with a comprehensive 64-run victory against England. Australian skipper Aaron Finch made exactly 100 in a total of 285-7 before England slumped to 221 all out with 32 balls left.

Australia confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup on Tuesday with a comprehensive 64-run victory against England. Australian skipper Aaron Finch made exactly 100 in a total of 285-7 before England slumped to 221 all out with 32 balls left. The recalled Behrendorff took 5-44 -- his first five-wicket haul in a one-day international -- while Starc became the leading bowler at the tournament with 19 scalps thanks to a haul of 4-43. For England, who entered the showpiece event as the top-ranked side in ODI cricket, this was a second straight defeat after their shock 20-run loss to Sri Lanka. The host nation, bidding to win a first World Cup title, can still qualify for the semi-finals but they are likely to need to beat at least one of India and New Zealand in their remaining two group games. "There are teams that you have confidence playing against but I have had plenty of low scores against England as well," said man-of-the-match Finch. "It was nipping around first thing. We were as tight as we could be and then took advantage of any width." Match in number: England's reply saw them lose a wicket off just the second ball of their chase, with the struggling James Vince -- only playing because Jason Roy was out with a hamstring injury -- bowled by a Behrendorff inswinger. Starc then took two wickets in nine balls. Test skipper Joe Root was plumb lbw to an inswinger for eight before England captain Eoin Morgan (four) fell into a hooking trap when a top-edge was held safely by Pat Cummins at fine leg. Australia, who had lost 10 of their previous 11 ODIS against England, were in complete charge with the hosts now 26-3. England have surged to the top of the ODI rankings on the back of aggressive run-scoring but the worry for Morgan's men is that too many of their top-order appear to know only one way to bat. Careless England Jonny Bairstow, for example, fell next to a careless hook off Behrendorff before Stokes and Jos Buttler (25) repaired some of the damage with a fifth-wicket stand of 71. Buttler was well caught by Usman Khawaja, running round and staying just inside the deep square leg boundary off Marcus Stoinis. Stokes defiantly hit Glenn Maxwell for two sixes in three balls but, shortly before completing his fifty, the all-rounder pulled up with a calf injury. Starc was brought back to take a key wicket and duly obliged with a thunderbolt yorker, his 18th wicket of the tournament, that ended Stokes's 115-ball innings of 89, including eight fours and two sixes. Stokes's dismissal left England 177-6 in the 37th over and effectively ended the contest. Starc ended the match when he dismissed Adil Rashid. Here's the points table: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan fans, how does this table look?!#CWC19 pic.twitter.com/LOOWRAGXHH — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 25, 2019 × Earlier Finch, dropped on 15, and fellow opener David Warner (53) came through some testing early overs to share a stand of 123 as too many of England's pacemen, with the exception of Chris Woakes, dropped short. The skipper's exit sparked a late flurry of wickets but Australia had enough runs on the board. #CWC15 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 v 🇦🇺 #AaronFinch 💯 Mitchell Starc four-for 🇦🇺 win#CWC19 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 v 🇦🇺 #AaronFinch 💯 Mitchell Starc four-for 🇦🇺 win pic.twitter.com/q9kUmo8k3q — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 25, 2019 × Both Warner, the World Cup's leading run-scorer, and Steve Smith were booed as they entered and exited the field following their recent return from year-long bans for ball-tampering. Finch went to his century thanks to a misfield by Woakes but next ball he miscued a hook off Jofra Archer and Woakes held the catch at fine leg. The skipper faced 116 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes in his second century of this World Cup following his 153 against Sri Lanka.

World Cup: Australia reach semis with 64-run win over arch-rivals England

A Tendulkar helped England ahead of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-semi-final-scenario-pakistan-stay-alive-england-vs-australia-at-lords-key-to-shaping-top-four-230038">World Cup clash against Australia</a> -- not the man who owns almost all the batting records but the boy who aspires to shine with the ball.

Aiming to live up to his illustrious surname, Arjun Tendulkar ran in fast and bowled at the England batsmen on the eve of their big-ticket clash against arch-rivals Australia.

The son of batting legend Sachin Tendulkar Monday marked his run-up at the Lord's nets during England's practice session, drawing, on expected lines, the attention of those present at the mecca of cricket.

Sporting an orange t-shirt, Arjun could be seen bowling to England batsmen under the watchful eyes of the team's spin bowling consultant, Saqlain Mushtaq.

This is not the first time that Arjun has bowled in the nets for England. In 2015, as a 15-year-old, he was part of the group of net bowlers which helped England prepare for the second Ashes Test against Australia.

Watch the video:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CCWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CCWorldCup</a> 2019 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvENG</a> 
 
The 'Tendulkar' help for <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@englandcricket</a> as they prepare to take on <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CricketAus</a> at Lord's<a href="https://t.co/RLqLfolVWs">pic.twitter.com/RLqLfolVWs</a> 
 
FULL STORY HERE: <a href="https://t.co/HmG5XGsbuk">https://t.co/HmG5XGsbuk</a>
— CricketCountry (@cricket_country) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricket_country/status/1143416322648264704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Arjun, 19, has played for MCC Young Cricketers against Surrey Second XI, picking up two wickets in High Wycombe last week.

Bowling from over the wicket, he produced a beauty of a delivery to castle opener Nathan Tilley in just his second over.&nbsp;

After disturbing Tilley's stumps, Arjun dismissed lower-order batsman BBA Geddes, returning figures of 11-2-50-2.

He has represented India under-19 team against Sri Lanka in a youth Test last year. Last month, Arjun had participated in Mumbai T20 League, playing for Aakash Tigers.

The strapping youngster had taken 19 wickets in just five games for Mumbai Under-19 in the 2017-18 Cooch Behar Trophy.

Along with India, hosts England and defending champions Australia are among the favourites to win the ongoing edition of the showpiece.

A Tendulkar helped England ahead of their World Cup clash against Australia -- not the man who owns almost all the batting records but the boy who aspires to shine with the ball.

A Tendulkar helped England ahead of their World Cup clash against Australia -- not the man who owns almost all the batting records but the boy who aspires to shine with the ball. Aiming to live up to his illustrious surname, Arjun Tendulkar ran in fast and bowled at the England batsmen on the eve of their big-ticket clash against arch-rivals Australia. The son of batting legend Sachin Tendulkar Monday marked his run-up at the Lord's nets during England's practice session, drawing, on expected lines, the attention of those present at the mecca of cricket. Sporting an orange t-shirt, Arjun could be seen bowling to England batsmen under the watchful eyes of the team's spin bowling consultant, Saqlain Mushtaq. This is not the first time that Arjun has bowled in the nets for England. In 2015, as a 15-year-old, he was part of the group of net bowlers which helped England prepare for the second Ashes Test against Australia. Watch the video: #CCWorldCup 2019 #CWC19 #ENGvAUS #AUSvENG The 'Tendulkar' help for @englandcricket as they prepare to take on @CricketAus at Lord'spic.twitter.com/RLqLfolVWs FULL STORY HERE: https://t.co/HmG5XGsbuk — CricketCountry (@cricket_country) June 25, 2019 × Arjun, 19, has played for MCC Young Cricketers against Surrey Second XI, picking up two wickets in High Wycombe last week. Bowling from over the wicket, he produced a beauty of a delivery to castle opener Nathan Tilley in just his second over. After disturbing Tilley's stumps, Arjun dismissed lower-order batsman BBA Geddes, returning figures of 11-2-50-2. He has represented India under-19 team against Sri Lanka in a youth Test last year. Last month, Arjun had participated in Mumbai T20 League, playing for Aakash Tigers. The strapping youngster had taken 19 wickets in just five games for Mumbai Under-19 in the 2017-18 Cooch Behar Trophy. Along with India, hosts England and defending champions Australia are among the favourites to win the ongoing edition of the showpiece.

Watch: Tendulkar helps England prepare for World Cup clash against Australia

England captain Eoin Morgan insists it is not his job to tell supporters how to react to shamed Australia stars David Warner and Steve Smith when the arch-rivals meet in a crucial World Cup clash on Tuesday.

Warner and Smith have found themselves booed by some fans in England after returning to international cricket following year-long bans for ball-tampering.

Australia coach Justin Langer has called for the taunts to stop, with India captain Virat Kohli and Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed telling their supporters to lay off the duo.

But, although the Australia clash is being played at Lord's -- the 'home of cricket' where crowds are traditionally polite -- Morgan refused to issue a plea to respect Warner and Smith.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-semi-final-scenario-pakistan-stay-alive-england-vs-australia-at-lords-key-to-shaping-top-four-230038">England vs Australia at Lord's key to shaping top four</a>

"I'm not expecting anything. I think fans and supporters up and down the country will have different reactions, as they will around the world. So we'll see," Morgan told reporters at Lord's on Monday.

"Supporters pay a lot of money, they do. And sport is beautiful in many ways, because it attracts people from far and wide.

"And you often see crowds offering support to both sets of players in the grounds."

'Acceptance will take time'

Morgan added: "You don't know how sports fans will react.

"Just because two guys have been punished, served their punishment and returned to play, it doesn't mean they will be accepted back into the cricket community straight away. It will take time."

England batsman Jonny Bairstow accused Australia of double standards in asking fans to go easy on Warner and Smith because former coach Darren Lehmann had previously urged supporters to verbally abuse England quick Stuart Broad during an Ashes series 'Down Under'.&nbsp;

Asked for his opinion of Bairstow's comments, Morgan said: "I don't have a view on it. I think every instance is different, every team is different.

"I believe that was a long time ago under a different regime. I don't know."

Australia captain Aaron Finch said he was resigned to the taunts continuing but claimed they had not hurt Warner and Smith in any case.

"Whether someone comes out and says do or don't, it's going to happen regardless anyway," said Finch at his pre-match press conference.&nbsp;

"It hasn't affected our boys one bit. I can honestly say that. If anything it's given them a bit more motivation.&nbsp;

"As a player you don't tend to hear a hell of a lot of stuff from the fans.

"I'm sure that's the last thing from Steve or Davie's mind when they walk out to bat, if a handful of people or a whole stadium are booing."&nbsp;

Defeats by Sri Lanka and Pakistan mean England could need to win two of their three remaining group matches against Australia, India and New Zealand to reach the semi-finals.

But Morgan tried to play down the significance of the latest clash with their old enemies by saying: "It's not must-win yet. We don't need to win every game to get to the semi-final."

England captain Eoin Morgan insists it is not his job to tell supporters how to react to shamed Australia stars David Warner and Steve Smith when the arch-rivals meet in a crucial World Cup clash on Tuesday.

England captain Eoin Morgan insists it is not his job to tell supporters how to react to shamed Australia stars David Warner and Steve Smith when the arch-rivals meet in a crucial World Cup clash on Tuesday. Warner and Smith have found themselves booed by some fans in England after returning to international cricket following year-long bans for ball-tampering. Australia coach Justin Langer has called for the taunts to stop, with India captain Virat Kohli and Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed telling their supporters to lay off the duo. But, although the Australia clash is being played at Lord's -- the 'home of cricket' where crowds are traditionally polite -- Morgan refused to issue a plea to respect Warner and Smith. Also Read: England vs Australia at Lord's key to shaping top four "I'm not expecting anything. I think fans and supporters up and down the country will have different reactions, as they will around the world. So we'll see," Morgan told reporters at Lord's on Monday. "Supporters pay a lot of money, they do. And sport is beautiful in many ways, because it attracts people from far and wide. "And you often see crowds offering support to both sets of players in the grounds." 'Acceptance will take time' Morgan added: "You don't know how sports fans will react. "Just because two guys have been punished, served their punishment and returned to play, it doesn't mean they will be accepted back into the cricket community straight away. It will take time." England batsman Jonny Bairstow accused Australia of double standards in asking fans to go easy on Warner and Smith because former coach Darren Lehmann had previously urged supporters to verbally abuse England quick Stuart Broad during an Ashes series 'Down Under'. Asked for his opinion of Bairstow's comments, Morgan said: "I don't have a view on it. I think every instance is different, every team is different. "I believe that was a long time ago under a different regime. I don't know." Australia captain Aaron Finch said he was resigned to the taunts continuing but claimed they had not hurt Warner and Smith in any case. "Whether someone comes out and says do or don't, it's going to happen regardless anyway," said Finch at his pre-match press conference. "It hasn't affected our boys one bit. I can honestly say that. If anything it's given them a bit more motivation. "As a player you don't tend to hear a hell of a lot of stuff from the fans. "I'm sure that's the last thing from Steve or Davie's mind when they walk out to bat, if a handful of people or a whole stadium are booing." Defeats by Sri Lanka and Pakistan mean England could need to win two of their three remaining group matches against Australia, India and New Zealand to reach the semi-finals. But Morgan tried to play down the significance of the latest clash with their old enemies by saying: "It's not must-win yet. We don't need to win every game to get to the semi-final."

'Acceptance will take time': Eoin Morgan refuses to issue plea to respect Warner and Smith

The World Cup is alive. Well, three of the top four look safe, but a few wins here and there and we may get a surprise fourth entrant. And hey, now that the rain has held off and we’ve had a several thrillers in the span of a few days, its actually turned out to be a pretty fun tournament.

Hosts and top-ranked England, touted as favourites well before the World Cup began, have been beaten by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the latter the upset of the tournament. Eoin Morgan‘s team now needs to win two of its remaining three matches to guarantee their place in the semi-finals. Their opponents? Australia, New Zealand and India.

The three teams that with them comprise the World Cup’s top four. New Zealand, who they last beat in a World Cup match back in 1992.

What works in England’s favour is that nobody else can win six matches in a row, so this keeps the home team in the green zone. They also have a good net run-rate (1.457). So, even one win out of three could be enough. On Tuesday, Eoin Morgan’s team plays defending champions Australia. A win for England here will be a big boost. A loss will throw the points table open wider.

Australia, second on the World Cup points table, also have a couple tough matches to play. England won’t be easy, New Zealand always punch above their weight and South Africa, their World Cup over, could be the banana peel. By the time Australia meet New Zealand at Lord’s on June 29, the Blackcaps may already have secured passage to the semi-finals if they beat Pakistan three days earlier at Edgbaston.

Kane Williamson‘s team, having just managed to beat West Indies at Old Trafford on Saturday, now need to win one of their remaining three matches – versus Pakistan, Australia and England – to make the semi-finals.

As they showed in tough chases against Bangladesh and South Africa, New Zealand have the stomach for a scrap. Ross Taylor did it against Bangladesh when the target was 245, Williamson stood up brilliantly to haul them to a last-over win when chasing 241 versus South Africa and against West Indies, both of them combined to put up a match-winning total, but just. For sheer drama, these three wins are right up there. New Zealand have escaped defeat thrice, so don’t expect them to buckle against England or India.

India, along with New Zealand the only team to not lose yet, squeezed past Afghanistan in Southampton. West Indies, Bangladesh, England and Sri Lanka remain. Virat Kohli‘s Indian cricket team must win twice to make it to the semis. Despite the loss of Bhuvneshwar Kumar for at least two matches – he is targeting the England game on June 30 – India have a very fine bowling attack and should make it comfortably. Questions hang over their middle order, which was exposed by Afghanistan’s spinners at The Rose Bowl.

Sri Lanka’s win over England has kept them in the hunt for the semi-finals. On six points, they have to win all three remaining fixtures – versus South Africa, West Indies and India – to get to 12. Two wins will give them 10 points, which may not be enough owing to the top four’s dominance. Other results will have to go their way.

One spot below Sri Lanka are Bangladesh, with five points. Today they play Afghanistan, who beat them at last year’s Asia Cup, India and Pakistan. If they beat Afghanistan in Southampton, Bangladesh will move to seven points. Getting past India will be tough, which means that their clash with Pakistan at Lord’s on July 5 could be make-or-break.

Pakistan, after beating South Africa by 49 runs at Lord’s, have five points. They still need to beat New Zealand, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to finish on 11. For a team that oscillates from the awesome to the absurd, it is a nearly impossible task. But Mickey Arthur, their coach, believes it is possible, with a little help from other teams.

As things look today, Pakistan are competing with one of Australia and England for a spot in the final four. It may not require net run-rate, because England and Australia have even points to Pakistan’s odd.

West Indies, with just three points and games versus India, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan to go, cannot make the semi-finals. South Africa and Afghanistan are eliminated. Each could do damage to others, provided they really lift their games.

Did anyone say this is a dull World Cup?

The World Cup is alive. Well, three of the top four look safe, but a few wins here and there and we may get a surprise fourth entrant. And hey, now that the rain has held off and we’ve had a several thrillers in the span of a few days, its actually turned out to be a pretty fun tournament.

The World Cup is alive. Well, three of the top four look safe, but a few wins here and there and we may get a surprise fourth entrant. And hey, now that the rain has held off and we’ve had a several thrillers in the span of a few days, its actually turned out to be a pretty fun tournament. Hosts and top-ranked England, touted as favourites well before the World Cup began, have been beaten by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the latter the upset of the tournament. Eoin Morgan‘s team now needs to win two of its remaining three matches to guarantee their place in the semi-finals. Their opponents? Australia, New Zealand and India. The three teams that with them comprise the World Cup’s top four. New Zealand, who they last beat in a World Cup match back in 1992. What works in England’s favour is that nobody else can win six matches in a row, so this keeps the home team in the green zone. They also have a good net run-rate (1.457). So, even one win out of three could be enough. On Tuesday, Eoin Morgan’s team plays defending champions Australia. A win for England here will be a big boost. A loss will throw the points table open wider. Australia, second on the World Cup points table, also have a couple tough matches to play. England won’t be easy, New Zealand always punch above their weight and South Africa, their World Cup over, could be the banana peel. By the time Australia meet New Zealand at Lord’s on June 29, the Blackcaps may already have secured passage to the semi-finals if they beat Pakistan three days earlier at Edgbaston. Kane Williamson‘s team, having just managed to beat West Indies at Old Trafford on Saturday, now need to win one of their remaining three matches – versus Pakistan, Australia and England – to make the semi-finals. As they showed in tough chases against Bangladesh and South Africa, New Zealand have the stomach for a scrap. Ross Taylor did it against Bangladesh when the target was 245, Williamson stood up brilliantly to haul them to a last-over win when chasing 241 versus South Africa and against West Indies, both of them combined to put up a match-winning total, but just. For sheer drama, these three wins are right up there. New Zealand have escaped defeat thrice, so don’t expect them to buckle against England or India. India, along with New Zealand the only team to not lose yet, squeezed past Afghanistan in Southampton. West Indies, Bangladesh, England and Sri Lanka remain. Virat Kohli‘s Indian cricket team must win twice to make it to the semis. Despite the loss of Bhuvneshwar Kumar for at least two matches – he is targeting the England game on June 30 – India have a very fine bowling attack and should make it comfortably. Questions hang over their middle order, which was exposed by Afghanistan’s spinners at The Rose Bowl. Sri Lanka’s win over England has kept them in the hunt for the semi-finals. On six points, they have to win all three remaining fixtures – versus South Africa, West Indies and India – to get to 12. Two wins will give them 10 points, which may not be enough owing to the top four’s dominance. Other results will have to go their way. One spot below Sri Lanka are Bangladesh, with five points. Today they play Afghanistan, who beat them at last year’s Asia Cup, India and Pakistan. If they beat Afghanistan in Southampton, Bangladesh will move to seven points. Getting past India will be tough, which means that their clash with Pakistan at Lord’s on July 5 could be make-or-break. Pakistan, after beating South Africa by 49 runs at Lord’s, have five points. They still need to beat New Zealand, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to finish on 11. For a team that oscillates from the awesome to the absurd, it is a nearly impossible task. But Mickey Arthur, their coach, believes it is possible, with a little help from other teams. As things look today, Pakistan are competing with one of Australia and England for a spot in the final four. It may not require net run-rate, because England and Australia have even points to Pakistan’s odd. West Indies, with just three points and games versus India, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan to go, cannot make the semi-finals. South Africa and Afghanistan are eliminated. Each could do damage to others, provided they really lift their games. Did anyone say this is a dull World Cup?

Cricket World Cup semi-final scenario: Pakistan stay alive, England vs Australia at Lord's key to shaping top four

Last edition champions Australia secured a consolation bronze medal after mauling England 8-1 at the men's hockey World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday.

Tom Craig (9th, 19th, 34th minute) scored a hat-trick while Jeremy Hayward (57th, 60th) struck twice for Australia in the bronze medal play-off. Blake Govers (8th), Trent Mitton (32nd) and Tim Brand (34th) were the other goal getters for Australia.

World number 7 England's lone goal in the lop-sided match came from the stick of Barry Middleton in the 45th minute.

This was Australia's fifth bronze medal in the history of the tournament. The last time the Kookaburras had to be satisfied with a third-place finish was way back in 1994 in front of their home crowd in Sydney.

The two teams met in the pool stage earlier in the tournament with Australia winning 3-0.

The victory also enabled Australia to further increase their head-to-head record against England. The two sides have faced each other 28 times earlier with Australia winning 21 matches as against four by England while the remaining games ended in draws.

After sitting back in the initial minutes, Australia secured their first penalty corner in the sixth minute but Govers' flick was deflected well over the post.

However, it did not take long for Govers to register his name in the scoresheet. He scored his seventh goal of the tournament with a reverse hit after receiving a through ball.

A minute later, the Kookaburras doubled their lead when Craig scored from close range with a rebound from Brand's pass after his initial try was saved by England goalkeeper Harry Gibson.

Australia keeper Tyler Lovell then made a good block to deny Liam Ansell from close quarters.

Australia made the scoreline 3-0 in their favour four minutes into the second quarter through another fine field goal by Craig, following a brilliant link-up play with Jake Harvie and Govers.

Australia went into the half time break with a comfortable 3-0 lead.

Just seconds into the third quarter, England secured a penalty corner but Luke Taylor's attempt was easily saved by Charter.

Mitton then extended Australia's lead in the 32nd minute with a rebound after Hayward's try from a penalty corner was saved by Gibson.

Before England could settle down from the setback, Australia pumped in two more goals within a minute to make the contest a completely one-sided affair.&nbsp;

First, Brand finished off a fine Mitton pass for the fifth goal and then Craig got the sixth one for Australia and completed his hat-trick with another field strike.

England scored a consolation goal just seconds before the end of third quarter with Middleton finishing off into an empty goal from a Phil Roper pass.

Australia scored their seventh goal in the 57th minute when Hayward converted a penalty corner. Australia then secured back-to-back penalty corners in the final minute, the second of which was converted by Hayward to seal a convincing win.

Last edition champions Australia secured a consolation bronze medal after mauling England 8-1 at the men's hockey World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday.

Last edition champions Australia secured a consolation bronze medal after mauling England 8-1 at the men's hockey World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday. Tom Craig (9th, 19th, 34th minute) scored a hat-trick while Jeremy Hayward (57th, 60th) struck twice for Australia in the bronze medal play-off. Blake Govers (8th), Trent Mitton (32nd) and Tim Brand (34th) were the other goal getters for Australia. World number 7 England's lone goal in the lop-sided match came from the stick of Barry Middleton in the 45th minute. This was Australia's fifth bronze medal in the history of the tournament. The last time the Kookaburras had to be satisfied with a third-place finish was way back in 1994 in front of their home crowd in Sydney. The two teams met in the pool stage earlier in the tournament with Australia winning 3-0. The victory also enabled Australia to further increase their head-to-head record against England. The two sides have faced each other 28 times earlier with Australia winning 21 matches as against four by England while the remaining games ended in draws. After sitting back in the initial minutes, Australia secured their first penalty corner in the sixth minute but Govers' flick was deflected well over the post. However, it did not take long for Govers to register his name in the scoresheet. He scored his seventh goal of the tournament with a reverse hit after receiving a through ball. A minute later, the Kookaburras doubled their lead when Craig scored from close range with a rebound from Brand's pass after his initial try was saved by England goalkeeper Harry Gibson. Australia keeper Tyler Lovell then made a good block to deny Liam Ansell from close quarters. Australia made the scoreline 3-0 in their favour four minutes into the second quarter through another fine field goal by Craig, following a brilliant link-up play with Jake Harvie and Govers. Australia went into the half time break with a comfortable 3-0 lead. Just seconds into the third quarter, England secured a penalty corner but Luke Taylor's attempt was easily saved by Charter. Mitton then extended Australia's lead in the 32nd minute with a rebound after Hayward's try from a penalty corner was saved by Gibson. Before England could settle down from the setback, Australia pumped in two more goals within a minute to make the contest a completely one-sided affair. First, Brand finished off a fine Mitton pass for the fifth goal and then Craig got the sixth one for Australia and completed his hat-trick with another field strike. England scored a consolation goal just seconds before the end of third quarter with Middleton finishing off into an empty goal from a Phil Roper pass. Australia scored their seventh goal in the 57th minute when Hayward converted a penalty corner. Australia then secured back-to-back penalty corners in the final minute, the second of which was converted by Hayward to seal a convincing win.

Australia thrash England 8-1 to clinch bronze medal in hockey WC

The Australia-England rivalry, be it on or off the field, has always been a topic of discussion among the cricketing fans and the two boards. &nbsp;

This time around, the David Warner sledging incident, where the banned Australian opener walked off the field during a club game in Australia, is on fire. &nbsp;

Upset with the episode, former England captain Michael Vaughan took to his Twitter and expressed his anger.&nbsp;

"An Australian Cricketer walks off the field for being sledged !!!! The Aussie players are now wanting us to 'Smile with them,Dream with them' ........ &nbsp;What has Australian cricket come too (sic) ..... Waugh,Border,Hughes,Warne,Mcgrath must be so proud ... !!!! #OnOn," Vaughan wrote.

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An Australian Cricketer walks off the field for being sledged !!!! The Aussie players are now wanting us to ‘Smile with them,Dream with them’ ........ What has Australian cricket come too ..... Waugh,Border,Hughes,Warne,Mcgrath must be so proud ... !!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnOn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnOn</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1057197542574821376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The player who reportedly sledged Warner was Jason Hughes, the brother of Phil Hughes, who died after being struck on the neck while representing South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match back in 2014.

The 32-year-old David Warner was banned from state and international cricket in March this year, after a ball-tampering incident during Australia's tour of South Africa.

The Australia-England rivalry, be it on or off the field, has always been a topic of discussion among the cricketing fans and the two boards. This time around, the David Warner sledging incident, where the banned Australian opener walked off the field during a club game in Australia, is on fire.

The Australia-England rivalry, be it on or off the field, has always been a topic of discussion among the cricketing fans and the two boards. This time around, the David Warner sledging incident, where the banned Australian opener walked off the field during a club game in Australia, is on fire. Upset with the episode, former England captain Michael Vaughan took to his Twitter and expressed his anger. "An Australian Cricketer walks off the field for being sledged !!!! The Aussie players are now wanting us to 'Smile with them,Dream with them' ........ What has Australian cricket come too (sic) ..... Waugh,Border,Hughes,Warne,Mcgrath must be so proud ... !!!! #OnOn," Vaughan wrote. An Australian Cricketer walks off the field for being sledged !!!! The Aussie players are now wanting us to ‘Smile with them,Dream with them’ ........ What has Australian cricket come too ..... Waugh,Border,Hughes,Warne,Mcgrath must be so proud ... !!!! #OnOn — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 30, 2018 × The player who reportedly sledged Warner was Jason Hughes, the brother of Phil Hughes, who died after being struck on the neck while representing South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match back in 2014. The 32-year-old David Warner was banned from state and international cricket in March this year, after a ball-tampering incident during Australia's tour of South Africa.

Now, Vaughan slams Australia after David Warner 'sledging incident'

Travis Head, promoted to the top of the order, led Australia to a drought-breaking win over England in the fourth one-day international in Adelaide on Friday.

Replacing injured opener Aaron Finch, Head anchored a shaky Australian run chase with a polished 96, falling just shy of a deserved century and with victory imminent.

England was dismissed for 196 after being sent in to bat in bowler-friendly conditions, losing four of their top six batsmen for ducks as the possibility of a record low score in one-day cricket briefly loomed.

In reply, Australia reached the modest target with 13 overs to spare, finishing on 197 for seven, but the chase was not without concerns as they struggled to win their first game in the five-match series and turn around their dismal recent one-day form.

England had already secured the series by taking an unbeatable 3-0 lead in Sydney last Sunday, and that result had left the current World Cup holders with just one win in their past 11 completed ODIs.

Australian captain Steve Smith admitted it wasn&#39;t the most convincing of wins.

&quot;Nice to get over the line, a pretty ordinary (batting) display,&quot; he said, noting that the start to the English innings decided the match.

&quot;It all happened pretty quickly for a moment there, five for eight you&#39;d take any day.&quot;

England captain Eoin Morgan said his team fell victim to a lively pitch early.

&quot;To be five down after 10 overs and no boundaries in the first 15 really shows how much there was in the wicket,&quot; he said.

Head looked certain to notch his second limited-overs century as Australia closed in on victory, but pulled a short ball from Mark Wood straight to Morgan at mid-on, having faced 107 balls and hit 15 fours.

That England was able to post any sort of competitive total was quite remarkable given their horror collapse in the early overs.

On Australia Day, it was all the home side as the tourists lost five wickets with just eight runs on the board.

Steve Smith had sent them in to bat for the second successive match, this time in humid conditions which favoured seam bowlers.

Their lowest total of 86 looked in danger until all-rounder Chris Woakes came to the rescue.

In the end, solid resistance from Woakes (78) along with Morgan and Moeen Ali (33 each) -- and Tom Curran (35) -- enabled England to scramble to a decent total.

Woakes continued his excellent form with the bat in the series, hitting five sixes in the 82 balls he faced before being caught on the boundary off Andrew Tye (3-33).

The rot set in early for the tourists.

Jason Roy, who got England rolling in the series with a record-breaking 180 in the opening match, fell to the second ball of the innings, caught at point by Smith off the bowling of Josh Hazlewood (3-39) for a duck.

Alex Hales (3) was the second to fall, bowled off his pads by Pat Cummins, who snared a career-best 4-24.

&nbsp;

Replacing injured opener Aaron Finch, Head anchored a shaky Australian run chase with a polished 96, falling just shy of a deserved century and with victory imminent

Travis Head, promoted to the top of the order, led Australia to a drought-breaking win over England in the fourth one-day international in Adelaide on Friday. Replacing injured opener Aaron Finch, Head anchored a shaky Australian run chase with a polished 96, falling just shy of a deserved century and with victory imminent. England was dismissed for 196 after being sent in to bat in bowler-friendly conditions, losing four of their top six batsmen for ducks as the possibility of a record low score in one-day cricket briefly loomed. In reply, Australia reached the modest target with 13 overs to spare, finishing on 197 for seven, but the chase was not without concerns as they struggled to win their first game in the five-match series and turn around their dismal recent one-day form. England had already secured the series by taking an unbeatable 3-0 lead in Sydney last Sunday, and that result had left the current World Cup holders with just one win in their past 11 completed ODIs. Australian captain Steve Smith admitted it wasn't the most convincing of wins. "Nice to get over the line, a pretty ordinary (batting) display," he said, noting that the start to the English innings decided the match. "It all happened pretty quickly for a moment there, five for eight you'd take any day." England captain Eoin Morgan said his team fell victim to a lively pitch early. "To be five down after 10 overs and no boundaries in the first 15 really shows how much there was in the wicket," he said. Head looked certain to notch his second limited-overs century as Australia closed in on victory, but pulled a short ball from Mark Wood straight to Morgan at mid-on, having faced 107 balls and hit 15 fours. That England was able to post any sort of competitive total was quite remarkable given their horror collapse in the early overs. On Australia Day, it was all the home side as the tourists lost five wickets with just eight runs on the board. Steve Smith had sent them in to bat for the second successive match, this time in humid conditions which favoured seam bowlers. Their lowest total of 86 looked in danger until all-rounder Chris Woakes came to the rescue. In the end, solid resistance from Woakes (78) along with Morgan and Moeen Ali (33 each) -- and Tom Curran (35) -- enabled England to scramble to a decent total. Woakes continued his excellent form with the bat in the series, hitting five sixes in the 82 balls he faced before being caught on the boundary off Andrew Tye (3-33). The rot set in early for the tourists. Jason Roy, who got England rolling in the series with a record-breaking 180 in the opening match, fell to the second ball of the innings, caught at point by Smith off the bowling of Josh Hazlewood (3-39) for a duck. Alex Hales (3) was the second to fall, bowled off his pads by Pat Cummins, who snared a career-best 4-24.

Head guides Australia to victory in fourth England ODI