Until Saturday's final round of group games, England were set to play India in this match.Īlthough they would never admit it, the opportunity to play their oldest enemies at a ground where Australia have no win of any kind since 2001 and England had won their previous 10 matches was absolutely perfect. 'Souped-up, fire-breathing, chest-beating England can go all the way'.Reaching final beyond belief - England captain Morgan.They will start the final, which will be shown as free-to-air on Channel 4, as firm favourites to be crowned world champions. Since then they have beaten India, New Zealand and turned in this, their best performance of the tournament to date. The ease of England's progression to the final was such a contrast to the group-stage defeat by Australia that left them on the brink of elimination. Roy crashed 85 before Joe Root and Eoin Morgan took England to their target with 17.5 overs to spare. Steve Smith, so often England's nemesis, held Australia together with 85, helping them to a total of 223 that at least gave them something to bowl at.īut home nerves over the menacing presence of Mitchell Starc were allayed by a prolific opening partnership between Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, who added 124 for the first wicket.
It was built on a riotous opening seven overs, when Australia were reduced to 14-3 by the new-ball brilliance of Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer.
A first win in a World Cup knockout match since 1992 was secured over the defending champions on a day that will live long in the memory, justifiably alongside anything from the 2005 Ashes or the 2010-11 tour of Australia.