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Australia vs England Live Commentary, 2nd Semi Final, ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019, July 11, 2019

AUS 223/10 (49)
England beat Australia by 8 wickets
ENG 226/2 (32.1)
Match over
0.0 : Welcome to the second semifinal of the 2019 World Cup. Defending champions, Australia take on World Cup hopefuls and hosts, England. This is the oldest rivalry in world cricket and both teams will be looking to knock their bitter rivals with a knockout blow. Eoin Morgan and his troops will be looking to take the revenge for the loss they faced against Australia in the league stage. Finch and his men, on the other hand, will be looking to repeat that performance and continue their dominance over
TOSS - We are all in readiness for the coin toss. The match referee along with the two captains are out in the middle. Australian skipper, Aaron Finch has the coin in hand. Up it goes, England skipper, Eoin Morgan calls Heads but it comes down as Tails. AUSTRALIA OPT TO BAT!
Australian skipper, Aaron Finch, says it looks a good wicket and they want to put a good score on the board. States winning five World Cups gives them experience in this situation and a word with the ones who have won it, also helps. Informs Handscomb comes in for the injured Khawaja and he hopes he can do well.
England skipper, Eoin Morgan, says they wanted to bat too, the trend of the tournament is batting first. Mentions they are not bothered though as before the World Cup, they prepared to chase. States they have gone from strength to strength after the last two games, especially after all the highs and lows in the group stages. Informs they are unchanged.
ENGLAND (UNCHANGED PLAYING XI) - Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (WK), Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
Australia (Playing XI) - David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Steve Smith, Peter Handscomb (In for Usman Khawaja), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon.
Time for the National Anthems! The players make their way out to the middle. Australia will sing their first and then it will be England's turn.
Done and dusted with the National Anthems! It is now time for the action to begin. The Australia openers, Aaron Finch and David Warner, make their way out to the middle. David Warner is on strike and he will be facing Chris Woakes who has the first new ball in hand. Here we go...
0.1 : C Woakes to D Warner, FOUR! What a start to semi final 2 and what a way to get off the mark. Woakes goes full and outside off, he is looking for some swing. There ain't any and it turns out to be a half volley. Warner creams it through covers and bags a boundary.
0.2 : C Woakes to D Warner, Goes back to bowling length and just outside off, Warner lets it be.
0.3 : C Woakes to D Warner, A little bit of shape there! Fuller again and around off, this one tails back in a touch. Warner looks to drive it with a straight bat but it goes off the inner half to mid on.
0.4 : C Woakes to D Warner, On a length again and around off, Warner guides it to point.
0.5 : C Woakes to D Warner, Once again on a length and just outside off, Warner plants his front foot forward and shoulders arms to this.
0.6 : C Woakes to D Warner, An excellent comeback after going for a boundary on the very first ball! Just the 4 from the first. Another length ball on off, this one angles away. Warner looks to defend but it goes off the outer half to point.
Jofra Archer to bowl with the second new ball.
Finch is a goner! He has been given out LBW but he has reviewed. Only an inside edge can save him.
1.1 : J Archer to A Finch, OUT! Three reds and Finch, the Aussie skipper, bags a golden duck in Semi Finals 2. What a start for Archer! Finch is being booed as he walks off, he also takes Australia's only review along with him. It is the inswinging delivery, which has troubled him so many times in his career, he though did play it well in the World Cup so far but falls prey to it today. This starts outside off and it comes back in. Finch plants his front foot way too across and looks to play it w
Steve Smith walks out at number 3. He walks in way sooner than he would have wanted. He scored a century the last time Australia were in the semi final of the ODI World Cup. Can he repeat that heroics again?
1.2 : J Archer to S Smith, Welcomes the new batter with a sharp short one, Smith ducks under it.
1.3 : J Archer to S Smith, Slightly fuller and around off, this one too is tailing back in. Smith looks to drive it through the off side but it goes off the inner half to mid-wicket.
1.4 : J Archer to S Smith, Smith is off the mark! Shorter in length and on middle, Smith pushes it towards mid on and takes a quick run.
1.5 : J Archer to D Warner, On the pads, this is worked towards fine leg for one.
1.6 : J Archer to S Smith, A dot to end a successful first over for Archer. Fuller and on middle, Smith hits it to mid on.
2.1 : C Woakes to D Warner, Back of a length on middle, Warner hops and keeps it out.
2.2 : C Woakes to D Warner, Bowls it on a length and on middle, Warner defends it off the back foot. Bowling a tight line to Warner. Giving hi nothing away.
2.3 : C Woakes to D Warner, FOUR! Up and over! That has been hit straight as an arrow. Full and on middle, Warner lofts it nonchalantly over the bowler's head for a boundary.
2.4 : C Woakes to D Warner, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Warner is out of here now. This is a dream start for England. They have both the openers back in the hut in no time. Woakes gets his first and now both the new ball bowlers have struck. This is huge because Warner has been the man for Australia with the bat. This is a top class delivery. This is slightly shorter and on off. Woakes seems to have bent his back on this one. He gets some extra bounce. Warner hops and tries to defend but fails to get on
Peter Handscomb is the new man in. This is his World Cup debut. Remember he was not in the initial 15-man squad. He has come in place of Usman Khawaja who got injured in the previous game. Nervy moment for him. Can he be the star Australia desperately want?
England have taken their review now. Handscomb is the man in question. It is for an LBW. It looks to be a little high. Let's see what the replays have to say.
2.5 : C Woakes to P Handscomb, NOT OUT! Umpire's call it is! A good review though by England, they do not lose it too. This is on a good length and around off, it pitches and jags back in. Handscomb tries to defend but misses to get hit on the front pad. A huge appeal but the umpire turns it down. England review. Replays roll in and they show that the ball is clipping the top of leg stump. Could have gone either way that, this time the Umpire rules it in the favor of the batter.
2.6 : C Woakes to P Handscomb, Handscomb is off the mark, courtesy a misfield! Fuller and outside off, PH pushes it towards cover. Morgan fails to stop it cleanly and a run is taken. Back-to-back successful overs for England.
3.1 : J Archer to P Handscomb, Good length ball on off, Handscomb turns it behind square on the leg side. He takes one and looks for second as the fielder from fine leg cleans it up. Smith though says no so just a one. The last thing Australia want at this stage is a run out.
3.2 : J Archer to S Smith, Back of a length ball on off, it raises onto Smith. He does well to get on top of it and keep it down.
3.3 : J Archer to S Smith, Play and a miss. Length delivery outside off, Smith goes chasing after it but misses.
3.4 : J Archer to S Smith, Smith living with some danger here. Back of a length again around off, Smith loosk to drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
3.5 : J Archer to S Smith, Hits the deck hard around off, Smith this time defends it off the middle of his bat.
3.6 : J Archer to S Smith, Bouncer to end another good over. It is around the body, Smith ducks under it. Just a run off it. England keep building pressure here.
4.1 : C Woakes to P Handscomb, Howzzat? The umpire is not interested and he signals bat. Rightly so as replays confirm that. Woakes once again bowls it outside off and gets it to come back in. Handscomb tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. A huge shout but the umpire shakes his head.
4.2 : C Woakes to P Handscomb, Another length ball and it comes back in. Handscomb once again ends up defending outside the line. It goes off the inner half through square leg for one.
4.3 : C Woakes to S Smith, This time gets one to move away after pitching it on a length and outside off. Smith initially looks to play at it but then bails out.
4.4 : C Woakes to S Smith, Off the outer half! On the stumps and gets it to straighten. Smith looks to defend but it goes off the outer half to point.
4.5 : C Woakes to S Smith, Another dot! One more outswinger outside off, Smith shoulders arms to this one.
4.6 : C Woakes to S Smith, This is angled into the pads of the batter, looking to get Smith LBW. SS gets his bat down in time and defends it out. Another excellent over comes to an end.
5.1 : J Archer to P Handscomb, Good length and on off, Handscomb keeps it out.
5.2 : J Archer to P Handscomb, That is unplayable! Just unplayable! This is angled into the off pole which means Handscomb has to play at it. He does so but is rooted to his crease. The ball pitches and straightens at 145 KPH. Difficult to adjust at that pace. The ball whizzes past the outside edge.
5.3 : J Archer to P Handscomb, Another top class delivery! Length and around off, this one straightens too. PH looks to defend but is beaten again.
5.4 : J Archer to P Handscomb, Off the outer half again but safe! Slightly shorter than the previous two balls. Handscomb looks to defend but does so inside the line. It goes off the outer half to point.
5.5 : J Archer to P Handscomb, This is outside off, Handscomb lets it be.
5.6 : J Archer to P Handscomb, On a good length and outside off, Peter guides it down to third man for one.
6.1 : C Woakes to P Handscomb, OUT! Drags it on! Handscomb always looked vulnerable against Woakes and he is the one to get him. England are all over Australia at the moment. Handscomb fails to make an impact after being brought in the side. A loose, loose shot to be honest. This is bowled slightly fuller and it is outside off. Handscomb, with no foot movement, pushes at it tentatively. The ball hits the inside edge and then shatters the stumps behind. Woakes with his second and Australia slip fu
0.0 : 3 wickets down in no time, who walks out now? Will it be Stoinis? He has not been in the greatest form with the bat in this tournament. Will the go to Maxwell to play a bold counter attacking game now? Or will it be the in-form Alex Carey? He has been their best middle order batter in this tournament. It will be Carey who will join Smith in the middle now.
6.2 : C Woakes to A Carey, Edge, short and a run! Good length and around off, it slants away. Carey looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge. Falls short of second slip who does not stop it cleanly and a run is taken. Carey is off the mark.
6.3 : C Woakes to S Smith, On middle, Smith works it to mid-wicket.
6.4 : C Woakes to S Smith, On a good length and on off, Smith pushes it to covers.
6.5 : C Woakes to S Smith, A little too straight, Smith looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.
6.6 : C Woakes to S Smith, Just the run and a wicket from the over! Good length and outside off, SS shoulders arms to this one.
7.1 : J Archer to A Carey, On a good length and outside off, Carey shoulders arms to this one.
7.2 : J Archer to A Carey, Nice shot! Does not go to the fence but three! Fuller and on off, Carey just puts bat to ball and hits it through mid off. The fielder hares after it and pushes it back in with a slide.
7.3 : J Archer to S Smith, On middle, Smith works it to square leg.
7.4 : J Archer to S Smith, Direct hit and it would have been close! This is on a length and around off, Smith pushes it towards cover and takes off. Morgan gets to the ball and with a dive across has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses.
7.5 : J Archer to A Carey, Excellently timed again! Fuller and on off, Carey strokes it to mid off.
7.6 : J Archer to A Carey, Nasty, nasty delivery! A cut on the chin for Carey. He is bleeding! This is short and on middle, it zips through. Carey looks to evade it but the ball arrives before he can do so. He gets hit right on the helmet which falls off. Carey though does well to catch as it could have rolled onto the stumps too. Carey now needs a breather and rightly so. He is surrounded by the English players who are asking him if he is okay!
The physio is out on the middle to have a check on Alex Carery. He is bleeding from his chin and for all the Ashes fans this is very similar to the bouncer that made Ricky Ponting bleed in the 2005 Ashes. The physio is putting band aids on the cut. Carey is ready to continue the battle.
8.1 : C Woakes to S Smith, Fuller outside off, a little bit of away swing on this one. Smith leaves it alone.
8.2 : C Woakes to S Smith, Good length ball on top of middle and off, Smith shuffles across and looks to flick but misses. The ball rolls to the leg side of the pitch off his thigh pad and they take a leg bye.
8.3 : C Woakes to A Carey, Outside off on a length, Carey shoulders arms to it. A bouncer to follow to scare Carey again?
8.4 : C Woakes to A Carey, No. Just a length ball on the pads, Carey looks to flick but it goes off his thigh pad.
8.5 : C Woakes to A Carey, Good bowling. It is outside off, tempting Carey to have a poke at it. He does go for it but misses. Ohs and Ahs are shouts from the English players.
8.6 : C Woakes to A Carey, FOUR! Sweet! That is a shot of a man in form. Slightly overpitched on off, Carey gets on his front foot and drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary.
9.1 : J Archer to S Smith, Back of a length on off, SS defends it out.
9.2 : J Archer to S Smith, Just behind a fuller length on middle, Smith looks to play it with a straight bat but it goes off the outer half down to third man for one.
9.3 : J Archer to A Carey, On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.
9.4 : J Archer to S Smith, Shorter and on middle, Smith nudges it around the corner and takes one.
9.5 : J Archer to A Carey, One more short one and on the body, Carey is ready for it and he ducks under it.
9.6 : J Archer to A Carey, Well bowled and well played! Shortish and around off, Carey evades it by taking his hands out of the way. End of a very bad Powerplay 1 for Australia. Their worst in the tournament so far. 27 for 3 is their score.
Powerplay 2 signalled! England have dominated Powerplay 1. Now 4 fielders can be placed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over. Don't think the two extra fielders are going outside the circle just yet.
10.1 : C Woakes to S Smith, Good length and on off, this is kept out.
10.2 : C Woakes to S Smith, Good length and on middle, Smith pushes it to mid on.
10.3 : C Woakes to S Smith, Fuller and on middle, Smith looks to drive but it goes off the inner half to square leg.
10.4 : C Woakes to S Smith, A single now! Shorter and outside off, Smith gets on top of the bounce and guides it through cover-point for one.
10.5 : C Woakes to A Carey, A little too straight, Carey looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
10.6 : C Woakes to A Carey, Another dot to end! Good length and outside off, Carey does not play at it.
Ben Stokes is on now!
11.1 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Shorter and on middle, Smith defends it onto the leg side.
11.2 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Shorter and around off, Smith pushes it to covers.
11.3 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, On the fuller side and around off, Smith strokes it through covers for one.
11.4 : Ben Stokes to A Carey, On the shorter side and outside off, Carey leaves it alone.
11.5 : Ben Stokes to A Carey, Another length ball and Carey makes another leave.
11.6 : Ben Stokes to A Carey, On the shorter side and on middle, Carey pushes it back to the bowler. A tidy start by Stokes.
Mark Wood on now! He is pacey and has been good this tournament. The platform is set for him to inflict more harm in this Aussie side.
12.1 : M Wood to S Smith, A false start for him! This is full and way too wide outside off, Smith lets it be and it has been wided.
M Wood to S Smith, Uppish but in the gap! This is fuller and outside off, Smith hits it in the air but wide of the cover fielder for one.
12.2 : M Wood to A Carey, Loose stroke! This is full and wide outside off, Carey goes after it away from his body but the ball goes past the outside edge.
12.3 : M Wood to A Carey, Shorter in length and down the leg side, Carey moves out of the way and it has been wided.
M Wood to A Carey, Excellent fielding! This is on the pads, Carey looks to flick but misses. The ball brushes the pads and goes fine on the leg side. Woakes runs to his right and with a dive seems to have pushed it back in. The umpire goes upstairs to check and replays show that he has done fine. Saves two for his side.
12.4 : M Wood to A Carey, Another top stop! England have their tails up. This time it is Stokes. This is fuller and outside off, Carey drives it square on the off side. Stokes at point dives to his right and makes a half stop. Saves three for his side.
12.5 : M Wood to S Smith, WIDE! Bowls this one down the leg side, Smith looks to flick but misses.
M Wood to S Smith, Outside off and SS lets it be.
12.6 : M Wood to S Smith, BEATEN! A good end to an over which did not start well. This is around off and it is on a length. In the corridor of uncertainty. Smith ends up playing inside the line and gets beaten.
Alex Carey is getting more band aids applied. We could see it did not stop bleeding and the physios are getting it done.
13.1 : Ben Stokes to A Carey, Good length ball on the pads, Carey turns it on the leg side for a single.
13.2 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, FOUR! Pulled and pulled away smartly! Back of a length ball outside off, Smith gets on his back foot and pulls it through the vacant mid-wicket region for a boundary. First one of this semifinal for Smith.
13.3 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Now calmly leaves the next ball which is on the fourth stump line.
13.4 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Stokes hits the deck hard around off, Smith defends it back to the bowler and calls a loud no to his partner.
13.5 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Fuller around off, Smith flicks it towards square leg and gets a couple.
13.6 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Outside off, Smith stands tall and punches it through point. He calls for two straightaway and gets it with ease as Adil Rashid cleans it up.
14.1 : M Wood to A Carey, Shorter and on off, Carey guides it to point.
14.2 : M Wood to A Carey, On the shorter side and it is outside off, Carey initially looks to pull but then bails out.
14.3 : M Wood to A Carey, Another short one and on the body, Carey ducks under it.
14.4 : M Wood to A Carey, Good running! This is on off, Carey drops it towards cover and takes one.
14.5 : M Wood to S Smith, Edgy run! This is fuller and around off, Smith looks to drive it with a straight bat but the ball straightens after pitching. It goes off the outside edge down to third man for one.
14.6 : M Wood to A Carey, A dot to end! Shorter in length and on off, Carey guides it to point. A better second over from Wood.
Drinks Break! England have completely dominated the first 15 overs of this game. They have bowled with pure venom and have Australia on the back foot. For the defending champions, Smith and Carey hold the key here. The duo steadied the ship from a similar situation against West Indies in the league stage. They will need to do something similar or better in this scenario. Run Rate should not be an issue here for them as the dynamic duo of Maxwell and Stoinis can hit the long ball. But right now,
Liam Plunkett is into the attack now! He replaces Stokes into the attack.
15.1 : L Plunkett to S Smith, FOUR! Straight down the ground! Welcome into the attack, Plunkett. This is a half volley on middle, Smith strokes it back past the bowler, through mid on and a boundary results. Also, the 50 is up for Australia.
15.2 : L Plunkett to S Smith, This is on the pads, Smith works it through mid-wicket for one. Follows the boundary with a single.
15.3 : L Plunkett to A Carey, Slower one and on middle, AC defends it out.
15.4 : L Plunkett to A Carey, On the off pole, Carey pushes it to mid off.
15.5 : L Plunkett to A Carey, Another good fielding effort in the field! On the fuller side on off, Carey strokes it towards mid off. Roy runs to his left, dives but only manages to make an half stop. It is still racing towards the fence. Mid on gives it a chase and pushes it back in. A run saved.
15.6 : L Plunkett to S Smith, A dot to end a good over for Australia. Back of a length on middle, this is kept out.
16.1 : M Wood to A Carey, Wood, from around the wicket, angles it into the batter. Carey works it to mid-wicket.
16.2 : M Wood to A Carey, Good running! This is around off, Carey pokes at it. He gets an inside edge onto the body. It rolls towards the off side for a quick run.
16.3 : M Wood to S Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith stands tall and pushes it to covers.
16.4 : M Wood to S Smith, A sharp bumper on middle, Smith ducks under it.
16.5 : M Wood to S Smith, A couple now! This is on the pads, Smith works it through backward square leg for two.
16.6 : M Wood to S Smith, FOUR! Lovely shot! He played that nice and late. This is on a length and outside off, Smith waits for it and guides it behind point. The ball races away to the fence. Spoils the over.
17.1 : L Plunkett to A Carey, On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket and a single is taken.
17.2 : L Plunkett to S Smith, Good length and outside off, Smith guides it down to third man for one. The 50-run stand is up. A vital one as Australia were in big trouble when the two joined association. It needs to continue though.
17.3 : L Plunkett to A Carey, Good length and on off, this is guided to point.
17.4 : L Plunkett to A Carey, A little too straight, Carey works it down to deep backward square leg and two runs is taken.
17.5 : L Plunkett to A Carey, Back of a length on off, Carey defends it out.
17.6 : L Plunkett to A Carey, On middle, Carey defends it to mid off.
18.1 : M Wood to S Smith, FOUR! Smith starting to accelerate here. Bouncer from Wood, Smith waits for it and then easily pulls it through square leg for a boundary.
18.2 : M Wood to S Smith, Now plays his trademark flick. He shuffles across and flicks it from middle and off towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
18.3 : M Wood to A Carey, Good length ball on off, Carey defends it with a straight bat.
18.4 : M Wood to A Carey, Full outside off, Carey looks to drive but it goes off the inner half of his bat towards mid off.
18.5 : M Wood to A Carey, On top of middle, Carey glances it to mid-wicket.
18.6 : M Wood to A Carey, Length ball pitching on off, it comes in with the angle. Carey taps it towards point and keeps the strike with a single.
Spinner into the attack now. Adil Rashid is introduced into the attack.
19.1 : A Rashid to A Carey, Very full and on off, Carey jams it back to the bowler.
19.2 : A Rashid to A Carey, Flatter and outside off, Carey guides it to backward point.
19.3 : A Rashid to A Carey, Shorter in length and it is the googly, Carey goes back and powers it to long on for one.
19.4 : A Rashid to S Smith, Flatter and on off, Smith eases it down to long off for one.
19.5 : A Rashid to A Carey, FOUR! Uppish but in the gap! Carey would have surely be worried for a moment. Rashid tosses it up outside off, he wants Carey to play the drive. Carey does so but finds the gap in the cover region and also the boundary.
19.6 : A Rashid to A Carey, A dot to end another good over for Australia. On middle, Carey hits it back to the bowler.
Change of ends for Liam Plunkett!
20.1 : L Plunkett to S Smith, Fuller and on off, this is hit back to the bowler.
20.2 : L Plunkett to S Smith, Another dot as another full delivery is driven back to the bowler.
20.3 : L Plunkett to S Smith, A single eventually! This is on a length and around off, straightens after pitching. Smith is squared up as he tries to defend. It goes off the outer half towards point. Stokes there fails to stop it with a dive and a run is conceded.
20.4 : L Plunkett to A Carey, On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.
20.5 : L Plunkett to A Carey, Another dot to end! Good length and on off, Carey pushes it to covers.
20.6 : L Plunkett to A Carey, A single to end! On the pads, this is worked to deep square leg for one.
21.1 : A Rashid to A Carey, Comes down the track but gets too close to the pitch of the ball. In the end he whips it down to long on for one.
21.2 : A Rashid to S Smith, Floats it up on off, Smith pushes it back towards the bowler. Rashid initially moves to his left, he is wrong footed so he then fails to stop it with a dive to his right and a single to long off.
21.3 : A Rashid to A Carey, Nicely played! Carey plays the paddle sweep, down towards fine leg for two.
21.4 : A Rashid to A Carey, The googly and outside off, Carey drives it square on the off side for one.
21.5 : A Rashid to S Smith, Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on. Roy slips as he tries to field the ball. No extra run taken.
21.6 : A Rashid to A Carey, A quick run to end the over! Another googly on middle, Carey picks it and taps it towards the off side. They set off for a run. Buttler runs towards the ball and has a shy at his opposite end but misses.
22.1 : L Plunkett to A Carey, Fuller and on off, this is hit towards covers.
22.2 : L Plunkett to A Carey, FOUR! That is class! Just class! Australia get off 87 in style. Fuller and around off, Carey leans into it and strokes it through covers and the ball races away to the fence.
22.3 : L Plunkett to A Carey, On the pads, Carey looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
22.4 : L Plunkett to A Carey, A single now! This is on off, Carey hits it towards mid off and takes one.
22.5 : L Plunkett to S Smith, Is that just short or has that been dropped? It is short. On the shorter side and outside off, Smith cuts it, it goes on the bounce to the point fielder where Stokes dives to his left and half stops it. No runs taken.
22.6 : L Plunkett to S Smith, Another dot to end! This is on the pads, Smith looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. He missed out there.
23.1 : A Rashid to A Carey, Loopy ball on middle and off, Carey plays a stylish looking whip shot to deep mid-wicket for one.
23.2 : A Rashid to S Smith, Tossed up on off, Smith strokes it to the right of mid off. The fielder dives across on that side and saves one.
23.3 : A Rashid to S Smith, Free run there. Floated on off, Smith pushes it to the left of cover and takes one. Stokes has an unnecessary shy at the bowler's end. He misses. There is no back up so one more run is taken. Two runs taken overall.
23.4 : A Rashid to S Smith, On the stumps, Steve defends it off the front foot.
23.5 : A Rashid to S Smith, Floated around off, Smith strokes it wide of sweeper cover and gets a brace.
23.6 : A Rashid to S Smith, Flighted on off, Smith milks it down to long off for one.
24.1 : L Plunkett to S Smith, Fuller and on the pads, Smith works it through mid-wicket for one.
24.2 : L Plunkett to A Carey, That is way down the leg side, Carey looks to flick but misses. 100 up for Australia. This is a good recovery from them but they still are behind in the game. Can't relax.
L Plunkett to A Carey, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
24.3 : L Plunkett to S Smith, Around off, Smith works it through mid-wicket and takes one.
24.4 : L Plunkett to A Carey, OHHH! This is around off, Carey looks to drive it on the up but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
24.5 : L Plunkett to A Carey, Another wide! This is down the leg side again, Carey looks to help it on its way but misses. Wided.
L Plunkett to A Carey, Another length ball on off, Carey strokes it to mid off.
24.6 : L Plunkett to A Carey, A good length ball on off, Carey keeps it out.
25.1 : A Rashid to S Smith, This is wide outside off, Smith lets it be and it has been wided.
A Rashid to S Smith, Flatter and on middle, Smith hits it down to long on for one.
25.2 : A Rashid to A Carey, FOUR! Crunched! Out comes the slog sweep and it has been hit right off the middle, it is also in the gap and Carey bags another boundary.
25.3 : A Rashid to A Carey, The googly now, flatter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
25.4 : A Rashid to S Smith, Floats it up on off, Smith hits it down to long off for one.
25.5 : A Rashid to A Carey, Carey played that late! Outside off, AC waits for it and then guides it towards short third man for one.
25.6 : A Rashid to S Smith, On the shorter side outside off, Smith slaps it through covers for another single. 10 from the over. Australia looking to get a move on now?
Ben Stokes is back!
26.1 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Shorter and around off, Smith guides it down to third man and takes one. The 100-run stand is up. They have got Australia to safer shores but Australia would love for them to continue.
26.2 : Ben Stokes to A Carey, Fuller and around middle, Carey hits it to mid on.
26.3 : Ben Stokes to A Carey, On the shorter side, Carey pulls it, not right off the middle but hit well enough to get two through mid-wicket.
26.4 : Ben Stokes to A Carey, Shorter in length and outside off, Carey looks to slap it but misses.
26.5 : Ben Stokes to A Carey, On the pads, Carey is late on the flick. It hits his pad.
26.6 : Ben Stokes to A Carey, Another good length ball on off, the batter blocks it out. A tidy over by Stokes.
27.1 : A Rashid to S Smith, Floats it up on off, Smith strokes it towards cover where the fielder dives to his left and makes a half stop. Can't stop a run though.
27.2 : A Rashid to A Carey, OUT! Carey holes out! The partnership has been broken! Carey falls 4 short of a half ton. He was looking to go after the leg spinner. Comes down the track to him and looks to whip it over the mid-wicket fence but it goes right off the toe-end and straight to Vince, the substitute who makes no mistake. A much-needed wicket for India. They continue to remain on top.
Marcus Stoinis walks out to bat next.
27.3 : A Rashid to S Smith, Outside off, Smith guides it to point.
27.4 : A Rashid to S Smith, Flatter and on middle, Smith pushes it down to long on for one. Fifty up for Smith, his 23rd in ODIs. Australia's best batter rises to the occasion. Only half the job done though and he would know that.
27.5 : A Rashid to M Stoinis, Fuller and outside off, Stoinis drives it nicely but to covers.
27.6 : A Rashid to M Stoinis, OUT! LBW! Rashid gets his second in the over and once again, Australia find themselves in trouble. Stoinis fails to make an impact yet again. He does not trouble the scorers here. Rashid bowls the googly outside off. Stoinis had no clue which way the ball is going to turn. He looks to hit it through the off side but misses as it turns back in. The ball hits the pad. A huge appeal and the umpire raises the finger. End of a brilliant over for England. 2 runs and 2 wick
The new man in is Glenn Maxwell. Maxwell is known for his flair. He's renowned for his big hitting magic. Australia don't need that magic to come out just yet. They want him to play a sensible knock here and then go bang, bang!
28.1 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, A couple! This is on the pads, Smith works it through backward square leg for two.
28.2 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith looks to defend but it goes off the outer half down to third man for one.
28.3 : Ben Stokes to G Maxwell, A yorker but outside off, Maxwell is late in bringing his bat down and gets beaten.
28.4 : Ben Stokes to G Maxwell, This is angled into the batter, Maxwell works it through mid-wicket for one.
28.5 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, FOUR! Through the covers! It is a little too full and on off, Smith strokes it in the gap in the cover region and bags a boundary. Smith continues his fight from one end.
28.6 : Ben Stokes to S Smith, Keeps strike now as he works it through square leg for one. Not a good follow up over by Stokes. 9 runs from it.
29.1 : A Rashid to S Smith, Big turn for Rashid. The length is shorter and around off, it spins away. Smith pushes it down to long on for one.
29.2 : A Rashid to G Maxwell, Just away from the fielder at first slip! Is this the luck Maxwell needs? Rashid almost got another. This is tossed up outside off, Maxwell looks to drive but the ball turns away. It goes off the outside edge and wide of first slip for three.
29.3 : A Rashid to G Maxwell, Floats it up on off, this is kept out.
29.4 : A Rashid to G Maxwell, Another outside edge! Another tossed up ball outside off, Maxwell looks to drive it but once again it turns away. It goes off the outside edge to short third man. Maxwell wanted a run but is sent back.
29.5 : A Rashid to G Maxwell, On the shorter side and on off. Maxwell pushes it towards cover. The fielder fumbles but no runs taken.
29.6 : A Rashid to G Maxwell, On the stumps, this is kept out. Another excellent over by Rashid.
Jofra Archer is back! Morgan wants Maxwell early and he has turned to his gun bowler.
30.1 : J Archer to S Smith, Starts his new spell with a good length ball around off, Smith turns it towards square leg and gets a single.
30.2 : J Archer to G Maxwell, On top of off, Maxwell calmly defends it with a straight bat. Yes, Maxwell indeed does that.
30.3 : J Archer to G Maxwell, Once again in the channel of off stump and Glenn calmly blocks it.
30.4 : J Archer to G Maxwell, FOUR! No calmness here, this was pure aggression. Archer bends his back and bowls it short. Maxwell picks the length early and whacks his pull through mid-wicket for a boundary.
30.5 : J Archer to G Maxwell, Now a play and a miss. It is not the short one that does you, it's the follow up. Good length ball outside off, it moves away just a bit. Maxwell looks to push it on the off side but misses.
30.6 : J Archer to G Maxwell, Bouncer again! Maxwell ducks under this one. Good battle this between Jofra and Maxwell.
31.1 : A Rashid to S Smith, Floats it up on the stumps, Smith defends it.
31.2 : A Rashid to S Smith, The googly just outside off, Smith, just at the end, guides it to point.
31.3 : A Rashid to S Smith, On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
31.4 : A Rashid to G Maxwell, SIX! Enough of blocking says Maxwell. He clears long on for the first biggie of the day. Rashid gives it air and Maxwell's eyes lit up. He goes against the turn but does so nicely and hits it over the fence.
31.5 : A Rashid to G Maxwell, Rashid now bowls it flatter and around middle, this is kept out.
31.6 : A Rashid to G Maxwell, Rashid gives it air again and Maxwell pushes it to covers. So just the 7 from the over despite the biggie.
Drinks Break! Australia had a steady partnership going when Smith and Carey added 103-run stand but a double wicket over from Adil Rashid has put the defending champions back on the back foot. Glenn Maxwell is the one who has joined the well-set Steve Smith. The former has looked to play his shot but needs to be cautious as he is the last recognized batter in this line up. England have been seriously good with the ball. They have kept plucking wickets at regular intervals and will look to break
32.1 : J Archer to S Smith, A good short one, right on the body. Smith ducks under it.
32.2 : J Archer to S Smith, Shorter and on middle, Smith works it towards backward square leg where they just got a fielder in so a dot.
32.3 : J Archer to S Smith, Well bowled! A slower one outside off, Smith is early in his push and gets beaten.
32.4 : J Archer to S Smith, Another dot as this back of a length ball has been kept out.
32.5 : J Archer to S Smith, A single now! Shorter and around off, Smith guides this through point for one.
32.6 : J Archer to G Maxwell, Goes for a yorker but ends up bowling a full ball on the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.
33.1 : A Rashid to G Maxwell, Two! Rashid gives it air and Maxwell drags it over mid-wicket. It is not right off the middle so the fielder in the deep gets across and keeps it down to two.
33.2 : A Rashid to G Maxwell, On middle, Maxwell pushes it back to the bowler.
33.3 : A Rashid to G Maxwell, The slider but on the pads, Maxwell works it to mid-wicket.
33.4 : A Rashid to G Maxwell, FOUR! A hit-me ball! Short and on middle, it sits up to be hit. Maxwell says thank you very much as he goes back and pulls it hard over mid-wicket for a boundary. 150 up for Australia.
33.5 : A Rashid to G Maxwell, A single now as Maxwell slaps this through covers.
33.6 : A Rashid to S Smith, A single to end a decent over for Australia. Fuller and around off, Smith pushes it down to long off for one.
34.1 : J Archer to S Smith, Almost drags it on! A slower one outside off, Smith is early into the drive. It goes off the inside edge, just past the leg pole and down to fine leg for one.
34.2 : J Archer to G Maxwell, On the off pole. Maxwell guides it through cover-point and gets to the other end.
34.3 : J Archer to S Smith, A slower one on the pads, Smith once again picks the fielder at backward square leg.
34.4 : J Archer to S Smith, WIDE! Way too short and Smith ducks under it. It has been wided.
J Archer to S Smith, On middle, Smith works it through square leg and gets to the other end.
34.5 : J Archer to G Maxwell, Another wide! This is short and on middle, Maxwell ducks under it and it has been wided.
J Archer to G Maxwell, OUT! Soft, soft dismissal! And the ploy to get back Archer has worked. Morgan wanted Maxwell's wicket and Archer gets it in what probably would have been his last ball of this spell. It is a well disguised slower ball. Maxwell does not pick it. He initially goes hard at the ball but then looks to bail out as it just does not arrive. In the end, he ends up chipping it to the cover fielder where Morgan takes a dolly. Maxwell once again gets out after getting to a start
Into the bowlers now. Pat Cummins walks out to bat. He can bat but can he bat and give support to Smith till the end of this innings?
34.6 : J Archer to Pat Cummins, A dot to end a successful over by Archer. Full and outside off, Cummins guides it to point.
35.1 : A Rashid to S Smith, Leg spinner pitching on middle and leg, Smith flicks it against the spin to deep mid-wicket and gets a single.
35.2 : A Rashid to Pat Cummins, Floats it around off, Cummins nudges it to point and gets to the other end.
35.3 : A Rashid to S Smith, Googly pitching on off, Smith looks to defend and does so off the inner half of his bat.
35.4 : A Rashid to S Smith, Short on off, Smith pulls it to square leg for one.
35.5 : A Rashid to Pat Cummins, Shorter around off, Cummins flat-bats it to long off for one.
35.6 : A Rashid to S Smith, Good stop by Root. Tossed up around off, Smith drives it to the left of cover. Root there dives on that side and saves a certain boundary. We all saw how crucial fielding was in the first semifinal and England today have been good in the field.
36.1 : J Archer to Pat Cummins, Two taken! Back of a length on off, Cummins guides it through backward point for two.
36.2 : J Archer to Pat Cummins, Fuller and on middle, Cummins hits it to mid on.
36.3 : J Archer to Pat Cummins, Just short! Almost another one. One more slower ball on off, it is the knuckle ball. Cummins does not pick it and he too goes hard at it. It goes off the face but it lands short of Archer.
36.4 : J Archer to Pat Cummins, Shorter and around off, Cummins looks to upper cut it but misses.
36.5 : J Archer to Pat Cummins, Another dot! Shorter and on middle, Cummins looks to defend but it hits the sticker of the bat but lands safe.
36.6 : J Archer to Pat Cummins, Looks for the yorker to end the over but ends up bowling a full ball on the pads, this is worked towards fine leg for two.
37.1 : A Rashid to S Smith, On the stumps, this is defended.
37.2 : A Rashid to S Smith, A crowd catch! This is very full on off, Smith hits it into the ground and to covers.
37.3 : A Rashid to S Smith, Another tossed up ball on off, Smith hits it through covers for one.
37.4 : A Rashid to Pat Cummins, OUT! Another one bites the dust! A sharp, sharp catch at first slip. A googly outside off, Cummins looks to play it against the turn through the off side but it goes off the outside edge and quickly to Root who takes it at first slip. Root reacted well as that not only went quickly but it was also a touch low. 200 now looks difficult! Rashid gets his third. He has not had a great World Cup so far but has come to the party in this big, big game.
Mitchell Starc, who will have to be at his brilliant best later on in the day with the ball will have to do a job with the bat here first.
37.5 : A Rashid to M Starc, Brilliant! Another googly, this lands on off and then turns away. Starc looks to defend but is beaten.
37.6 : A Rashid to M Starc, Beaten all ends up! How did that miss the off pole? Another googly, this is flatter and on middle, it turns away. Starc goes back and looks to defend but misses. The ball just about kisses the off pole. End of another outstanding over by Rashid. He has been brilliant today. His figures 10-0-54-3.
38.1 : J Archer to S Smith, Good length ball on off, Smith defends it with soft hands towards cover and gets a single.
38.2 : J Archer to M Starc, Comes around the wicket and bowls it on off. It comes in with the angle, Starc looks to defend but it goes wide of first slip off the upper half of his bat and gets a single to get off the mark.
38.3 : J Archer to S Smith, Back of a length ball on off, Smith taps it towards point and shouts a loud no.
38.4 : J Archer to S Smith, Good length ball on off, Smith pushes it towards cover and gets to the other end.
38.5 : J Archer to M Starc, Full on middle, Starc flicks it nicely wide of deep mid-wicket and gets a couple.
38.6 : J Archer to M Starc, Bouncer to end Jofra's spell. It is outside off, the ball keeps raising. Buttler behind the stump does well to take it jumping and stretching his left hand. Starc looks at the square leg umpire hoping it to be wided but it isn't. End of a brilliant day for Jofra. He finishes with the figures of 10-0-32-2. What an inspired selection he has been in this World Cup!
Mark Wood is back!
39.1 : M Wood to S Smith, That has skidded through. Shorter and outside off, Smith looks to punch it through the off side but is late on the shot.
39.2 : M Wood to S Smith, Shorter and on off, Smith stands tall and pushes it through covers for two.
39.3 : M Wood to S Smith, On the pads, Smith works it fine on the leg side and gets to the other end.
39.4 : M Wood to M Starc, Good length and around off, Starc pushes it to covers.
39.5 : M Wood to M Starc, Shorter in length and outside off, Starc guides it down to third man and gets to the other end.
39.6 : M Wood to S Smith, A dot to end! Shorter and on middle, Smith defends it.
Powerplay 3 time! Now a maximum of 5 fielders can be placed outside the 30-yard circle till the end of this innings. The big question here is, can Australia bat till the end? Liam Plunkett to inaugurate the final Powerplay of this innings.
40.1 : L Plunkett to M Starc, Fuller and on middle, Starc strokes it to mid on.
40.2 : L Plunkett to M Starc, This is angled into the batter from around the wicket, Starc works it to mid on.
40.3 : L Plunkett to M Starc, One more dot! On a good length around off, Starc mistimes it to mid off.
40.4 : L Plunkett to M Starc, 4 dots in a row! On a good length and on middle, Starc defends it onto the ground.
40.5 : L Plunkett to M Starc, Slashes and miss! Shorter and outside off, Starc looks to cut but misses. 5 dots in a row.
40.6 : L Plunkett to M Starc, A single to end the over! England won't mind as Starc will be on strike. Fuller and around middle, Starc hits it down to long on for one.
41.1 : M Wood to M Starc, On the pads, the batter looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.
41.2 : M Wood to S Smith, Short and on the body, Starc ducks under it.
41.3 : M Wood to S Smith, Another leg bye! This is on middle, Smith looks to flick but misses to get hit high no the pads. It rolls on the leg side again for one.
41.4 : M Wood to M Starc, One more single! Slower one and outside off, Starc guides it down to third man for one.
41.5 : M Wood to S Smith, That has been worked off the stumps! Fuller and on middle, Smith hits it to fine leg and gets to the other end.
41.6 : M Wood to M Starc, Once again a single on the last ball! This is shorter and on off, Starc guides it towards point and keeps strike.
42.1 : L Plunkett to M Starc, Shorter in length and on the body, Starc nudges it through backward square leg for one.
42.2 : L Plunkett to S Smith, A direct hit and Smith was in trouble! This is shorter and outside off, Smith mistimes his pull toward mid-wicket. Root fumbles and the batters go for it. Root has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses.
42.3 : L Plunkett to M Starc, Short again and on middle, Starc pulls it through square leg for one.
42.4 : L Plunkett to S Smith, Good length on off, Smith pushes it back to the bowler.
42.5 : L Plunkett to S Smith, Another dot! Too short and wide outside off, Smith cuts but finds point.
42.6 : L Plunkett to S Smith, Two to end! Nicely played! Once again there is width on offer outside off. Smith guides it past point and takes two.
43.1 : M Wood to M Starc, A very full ball on off, Starc just about gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.
43.2 : M Wood to M Starc, FOUR! Bludgeoned! A welcome boundary for Australia. This is half volley on off, Starc powers it through mid off and bags a boundary.
43.3 : M Wood to M Starc, Goes full again and on middle, Starc works it to mid-wicket.
43.4 : M Wood to M Starc, A sharp bumper and on the body, Starc ducks under it.
43.5 : M Wood to M Starc, Goes for another short one but this is down the leg side. Wided.
M Wood to M Starc, Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
43.6 : M Wood to S Smith, A dot to end! This is on middle, SS works it to mid-wicket.
44.1 : L Plunkett to M Starc, SIX! That has gone out of here! Fuller around off, Starc frees his arm and smashes it over long off fence for a maximum. He didn't time it too well but had enough to send it over.
44.2 : L Plunkett to M Starc, Follows it up with a single down to square leg.
44.3 : L Plunkett to S Smith, On middle and leg, Smith shuffles across and flicks it to the right of fine leg. Rashid there cleans it. This also brings up the 200 for Australia.
44.4 : L Plunkett to M Starc, Wide! Bouncer goes way over Starc's head and it has been wided.
L Plunkett to M Starc, Length ball outside off, Starc cuts it but finds point.
44.5 : L Plunkett to M Starc, On the pads, Starc flicks it towards backward square leg and looks for two but Bairstow gets to the ball quickly so they have to be happy with one.
44.6 : L Plunkett to S Smith, FOUR! Good way to end the over for Australia. Back of a length ball on off, Smith waits back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. End of a very expensive over from Plunkett. 14 runs off the over. Vital runs starting to come for Australia.
Chris Woakes is back into the attack! 6-0-16-2, his figures so far.
45.1 : C Woakes to M Starc, Good length and on off, Starc guides it towards point for one.
45.2 : C Woakes to S Smith, That stays low! Shorter and around off, Smith initially looks to pull but the ball does not bounce. He does well to get his bat down and hit it through square leg for one.
45.3 : C Woakes to M Starc, Attacks the stumps and Starc keeps it out.
45.4 : C Woakes to M Starc, Shorter and outside off, it is the slower one. Starc is a little early in the pull and ends up toe-ending it to mid off.
45.5 : C Woakes to M Starc, This time pulls it nicely through square leg and takes one.
A huge appeal for an LBW has been turned down! Smith is the man in question as England have reviewed. Looks close. Big moment in the game.
45.6 : C Woakes to S Smith, NOT OUT! It is clipping the top of middle so it remains umpire's call! Woakes lands this around off and gets it to jag back in. Smith looks to flick but misses to get hit around the knee role. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head. The ball rolls on the off side and the batters take one. England review but replays show that the on-field call remains. A leg bye is signaled by the umpire in the end.
Mark Wood is back on! His figures so far are 7-0-33-1.
46.1 : M Wood to S Smith, OHH! Full on off and middle, Smith moves across and looks to flick. Luckily he gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls to the leg side and they take a run.
46.2 : M Wood to M Starc, Good length ball on off, Starc flicks it to the left of deep mid-wicket. He looks for two and goes for it. The throw at the keeper's end is a poor one so they get it with ease.
46.3 : M Wood to M Starc, Well fielded by Plunkett! Length ball on off and middle, Starc flicks it through backward square leg. Plunkett runs to his left and saves the ball before the fence with a dive. Saves two runs for his side.
46.4 : M Wood to M Starc, On middle and leg, Starc strokes it to mid on and shouts a loud no.
46.5 : M Wood to M Starc, In the air...but safe! Short ball on middle and off, Starc goes for the big pull but gets a top edge on it. Luckily the ball falls short and wide of fine leg so a single is taken which also brings up the 50-run stand. Very vital stand this for Australia.
46.6 : M Wood to S Smith, Back of a length ball on off, Smith pulls it towards square leg and gets a single. He will keep the strike.
A direct hit and England feel they have got Smith. He too is walking off. The umpire though has taken it upstairs.
47.1 : C Woakes to S Smith, OUT! Run Out! End of a brilliant, brilliant innings here from Steve Smith. Back of a length ball on the pads, Smith looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The ball goes to the left of Buttler behind. Starc looks for a single and Smith goes with it. Buttler removes his glove and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. The umpire takes it upstairs and replays find Smith to be short of his crease.
0.0 : Jason Behrendorff is the new man in!
47.2 : C Woakes to M Starc, OUT! Caught! Once again two wickets fall in quick succession. Good length ball outside off, Starc swings his bat at it with little to no foot movement. He gets a thick outside edge on it which goes straight into the mitts of Buttler. At one point when Starc and Smith were going along, it looked like they could reach 230-240 but now 225 looks difficult.
Nathan Lyon is the last man in!
47.3 : C Woakes to N Lyon, Good length ball on off, Lyon does well to defend it.
47.4 : C Woakes to N Lyon, Direct hit and it could have been curtains in this innings. Length ball around off, Lyon strokes it to the left of point and goes for a quick single. Archer gets to the ball quickly but mises his shy at keeper's end.
47.5 : C Woakes to J Behrendorff, On the stumps, Behrendorff defends it off the front foot.
47.6 : C Woakes to J Behrendorff, Once again it is close to the stumps, Jason does really well to block it. End of another fantastic Woakes over. Just one run and 2 wickets off it.
48.1 : M Wood to N Lyon, Play and a miss! This is outside off, Lyon looks to guide it down to third man but misses.
48.2 : M Wood to N Lyon, Shorter in length and on the body, Lyon looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the body. The ball rolls on the off side and the batters take one.
48.3 : M Wood to J Behrendorff, Good length ball around off, Behrendorff guides it down to third man for one.
48.4 : M Wood to N Lyon, Length ball on off and middle, Lyon raises his front leg up and pulls it to square leg for a couple.
48.5 : M Wood to N Lyon, Full toss on off, Lyon squeezes it to sweeper cover and gets just a run. All these ones and twos might prove to be the difference.
48.6 : M Wood to J Behrendorff, OUT! Bowled! That's the end of the Australian innings. They do not bat their full quota of 50 overs. Wood steams in and bowls a full, straight and pacy yorker on off, Behrenndorff cannot get his bat down in time and the ball goes on to hit the stumps. End of a brilliant bowling performance from England. AUSTRALIA BOWLED OUT FOR 223.
A top, top bowling performance by England! Their bowlers have been spot on in this big occasion. Eoin Morgan could not have asked for anything better after being asked to field first. They will surely be the happier side heading into the break.
Everybody reckoned this is going to be a flat track and one which will be good for the batters but that was not to be. The England bowlers not only got the ball to move early on but also got some extra bounce. The new ball bowlers made use of that and blew away the top order. Smith and Carey, who was promoted up the order, then steadied things with a 103-run stand. Carey then looked to step on the gas but fell as soon as he tried to do so. Stoinis and Maxwell failed to make any impact. Smith was
The England bowling was excellent today! They were right on the money from the word go. Woakes and Archer were brilliant with the new balls. Rashid was brilliant in the middle overs. Wood and Plunkett bowled well in bits and pieces. All-in-all they would be very pleased with their work today.
Jofra Archer is up for an interview. He tells that every game they have played for the last three games was like a semi finals. Tells Maxwell wicket was his favorite as Maxwell had taken his wicket in the big bash. Credits Smith for the way he batted. On the pitch, Archer says it was nipping more than it was swinging and they were concentrating on bowling it full. On being asked if he expects to bat, Jofra smiles and says hopefully not.
The target is not a big one and you would fancy England to chase this down. We did see a moderate target getting defended yesterday. Australia do have the bowling but can they defend it? Who will New Zealand face in the finals? Stay tuned to find out.
0.0 : We are back for the chase! The Australian players are in a huddle before they take their respective positions in the field. Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy walk out to the middle to open the innings for England. Jason Behrendorff to operate with the first new ball. He was the chief tormentor when these two sides met the last time. Can he do it again?
0.1 : J Behrendorff to J Roy, Behrendorff starts with a good length ball on off, it nips back in. Roy looks to play it on the off side but it goes off the inner half of his bat to square leg. Roy wanted a single but Bairstow sends him back.
0.2 : J Behrendorff to J Roy, Good length ball on middle and leg, Roy defends it to mid-wicket.
0.3 : J Behrendorff to J Roy, On middle, Jason strokes it to mid-wicket again. Still waiting for the run chase to get off the mark.
0.4 : J Behrendorff to J Roy, It is off the mark now. Good length ball around off, Roy runs it down to third man and gets off the mark.
0.5 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, FOUR! Bairstow is off the mark and that too in style. Fuller around off, Bairstow gets on his front foot and plays a brilliant square drive for a boundary. He has been in good form and this shows just that.
0.6 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, An appeal but not given! This is around off, Bairstow plants his front foot forward and tries to defend. There are two noises and the Australians are appealing. The umpire shakes his head thinking it is bat first. Replays later on show that it is pad first but the ball to be clipping the outside of off.
Mitchell Starc to bowl from the other end with the second new ball.
1.1 : M Starc to J Roy, Full on middle and leg, Roy pushes it to mid on.
1.2 : M Starc to J Roy, Length ball on off, Jason defends it off the front foot with authority.
1.3 : M Starc to J Roy, Once again bowls it on top of off, Roy blocks it with command.
1.4 : M Starc to J Roy, Bowls the same line and Roy is in no hurry. He shows his calm and keeps it out.
1.5 : M Starc to J Roy, Ouch! That must have hurt! Starc steams in and fires one in at 151 kph. It is on the body, Roy looks to play but gets beaten by the pace. The ball hits him around the belly region.
1.6 : M Starc to J Roy, WIDE! Starc misses his line and bowls this one down the leg side. It is bowled at 142 kph. Roy looks to flick but misses. Wide signalled.
M Starc to J Roy, Corrects his line and bowls it on top of off, Roy defends it with a straight bat. Just a wide off Starc's first. The start of this innings has been like a game of chess.
2.1 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, Full on off, Bairstow defends it towards mid on and shouts a loud wait on to his partner.
2.2 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, Length ball around off, Bairstow pushes it to the man at cover.
2.3 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, Full on middle, Bairstow pushes it to mid on.
2.4 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, Good length ball on middle, Bairstow calmly defends it off the front foot.
2.5 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, Ohh! This one moves slightly away after pitching. It is full pitching around off, Bairstow looks to defend but gets beaten. He was expecting it to come back in but it does not.
2.6 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, Another play and a miss. Good length ball outside off, Bairstow looks to drive this one but misses it completely. Maiden for Behrendorff. Good start for him.
3.1 : M Starc to J Roy, FOUR! Beautiful hands by Roy! Fuller around off, Roy gets on his front foot and drives it right off the meat of his bat through covers for a boundary. The sound the ball made after connection was just so sweet.
3.2 : M Starc to J Roy, Now flicks this one through mid-wicket and gets a couple. Smart batting this from Roy.
3.3 : M Starc to J Roy, Length ball on off, Roy defends it towards point.
3.4 : M Starc to J Roy, Starc bowls it on top of off, Roy defends it back to the bowler. This was the line they bowled at Lord's against England. Roy didn't play that game and he is looking good here.
3.5 : M Starc to J Roy, Back of a length ball around off, Roy taps it towards point and looks for a run initially but then sees it's not there so backtracks on it.
3.6 : M Starc to J Roy, FOUR! Gorgeous! That is so gorgeous. Starc overpitches this on off, Roy gets on his front foot and plays a delightful cover drive for a boundary. The over ends the way it started it, i.e, with a boundary.
4.1 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, Full on off, Bairstow looks to drive but it goes to mid on off the inner half of his bat. Finch at mid on stops it.
4.2 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, Good length ball outside off, Bairstow looks to cut but it goes off the inner half of his bat.
4.3 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, On the pads, Jonny flicks it towards square leg and gets to the other end.
4.4 : J Behrendorff to J Roy, On top of middle, Roy looks to play it to the on side, the ball though goes to the left of deep mid-wicket off the inner half of his bat allowing them to get a brace.
4.5 : J Behrendorff to J Roy, Length delivery on the stumps, Roy defends it off the front foot.
4.6 : J Behrendorff to J Roy, Good length ball on top of middle, Bairstow shows signs of aggression as he comes down the track and hits it to mid on. 205 needed off 270 balls.
5.1 : M Starc to J Bairstow, WIDE! Starc bowls it at a good pace but down the leg side. Bairstow looks to flick but misses. This ball was bowled at 145 kph.
M Starc to J Bairstow, FOUR! Crunched! Starc is guilty of giving width outside off, Bairstow with the form that he is in, won't miss that and he smashes it through point for a boundary.
5.2 : M Starc to J Bairstow, Now sensibly defends this one towards mid off.
5.3 : M Starc to J Bairstow, Good length ball just outside off, Bairstow tucks it to the left of mid-wicket and looks for a run but Roy sends him back.
5.4 : M Starc to J Bairstow, Length delivery around off, Bairstow runs it down to third man and calls yea to his partner, indicating to come for a run.
5.5 : M Starc to J Roy, SIX! First maximum of the day and that was hit with so much ease, wow! Full on the pads, Roy just lifts his flick and sends it over the square leg fence for the first maximum of the innings. The fielder at fine leg goes after it but can just bring the ball back in play.
5.6 : M Starc to J Roy, Now a solid front foot defense to end the over. 12 off this one and 22 runs have come of Starc's last two overs.
Pat Cummins is on! Australia need a wicket. Can he deliver it?
6.1 : Pat Cummins to J Bairstow, Cummins start with a good length ball on middle and leg, Bairstow pushes it towards mid on.
6.2 : Pat Cummins to J Bairstow, Now betters his line and bowls it on off, Jonny defends it off the front foot.
6.3 : Pat Cummins to J Bairstow, Fuller on off, Bairstow looks to drive but the bat turns in his hands as the ball makes contact with the bat and it goes to mid on.
6.4 : Pat Cummins to J Bairstow, Bouncer! It is slightly away from the body, Jonny sways away from it.
6.5 : Pat Cummins to J Bairstow, Good shot but straight to the man at cover. Good length ball on off, Bairstow drives it on the up but straight to the fielder at cover.
6.6 : Pat Cummins to J Bairstow, Fuller on off, Bairstow drives it through covers. Warner gives it a chase and cleans it before the ropes. Two runs taken. So just the brace of Cummins' first. Australia though need wickets here. They cannot defend it.
Change of ends for Jason Behrendorff!
7.1 : J Behrendorff to J Roy, Little bit of swing there. Good length ball on top of middle, Roy comes down the track and looks to hit but then seeing the away movement he retracts from his shot.
7.2 : J Behrendorff to J Roy, Good length ball on off, Roy defends it off the front foot.
7.3 : J Behrendorff to J Roy, Appeal from LBW but turned down. It is on the pads, Roy moves across and looks to flick but misses. Behrendorff puts in an appeal but it is turned down. The pitching seemed to be the issue there.
7.4 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, On the pads, Bairstow does not miss his flick and manages it to flick it wide of mid-wicket for a couple.
7.5 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, FOUR! Venom, that's what it was hit with! Overpitched on middle and leg, Bairstow drives it through mid on. Behrendorff looks to block it but he is down the ground. He had no chance of stopping that.
7.6 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, Now calmly blocks this one to get through the over. 40 runs off the 8 overs and England are cruising along at this point of time.
8.1 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, This is angled into the batter, Roy looks to flick it on the leg side but misses to get hit high on the pads.
8.2 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, That has gone through him! This is shorter and around middle, Roy hops and tries to hit it on the leg side. The ball stays low and goes beneath the bat but over the stumps.
8.3 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, A good short one and on the body, Roy ducks under it.
8.4 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, Back of a length on off, Roy stands tall and keeps it out.
8.5 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, Roy walks across the stumps and Cummins lands it on off, JR works it to mid-wicket.
8.6 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, FOUR! Easily done! Another length ball and this time it is a little too straight. Roy shuffles across and flicks it through backward square leg for a boundary. Spoils what was a potential maiden.
9.1 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, Good length ball on off, Bairstow flicks it square on the leg side and gets a single.
9.2 : J Behrendorff to J Roy, Once again it is on off and middle, Roy flicks it to the on side and gets a single.
9.3 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, On the pads, Bairstow glances it through mid-wicket and rotates the strike.
9.4 : J Behrendorff to J Roy, Another good looking cover drive. Fuller on off, Roy drives it through covers. The fielder inside the circle dives and gets a hand to it. Glenn Maxwell from sweeper cover cleans it up. Two taken.
9.5 : J Behrendorff to J Roy, Good length ball on off, Roy pushes it to mid off. The fielder there looks to stop it with a dive but the ball deflects off his hands towards mid on and they take a run. Yet another 50-run stand comes up between the two.
9.6 : J Behrendorff to J Bairstow, On the pads, JB glances it to the man at mid-wicket.
Powerplay 2 has been signaled! Now a maximum of 4 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the 40th over.
Also, Nathan Lyon is on now.
10.1 : N Lyon to J Roy, SIX! Lyon is welcomed with a massive six. Not the welcome Nathan would have wanted. He tosses it up on middle, Roy demolishes it over the long on fence for a biggie.
10.2 : N Lyon to J Roy, Bowls it quicker and flatter outside off, Roy looks to push it on the off side but misses.
10.3 : N Lyon to J Roy, Short around off, Roy cuts it hard to deep point and gets a single.
10.4 : N Lyon to J Bairstow, Floated around off, Bairstow premeditates his sweep and hits it to square leg for one.
10.5 : N Lyon to J Roy, FOUR! This is just brutal from Roy! This is just unfair on the bowler. Lyon bowls a flighted ball on middle and leg, Roy gets on his knees and reverse sweeps it over point for a boundary. Not a bad ball this but just brilliant batting.
10.6 : N Lyon to J Roy, Edged but safe. Tossed up on off, Roy comes down the track and looks to flick but gets a leading edge on it. Luckily for him, the ball falls well short of point.
Change of ends for Cummins!
11.1 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, Back of a length and on off, Roy defends it out.
11.2 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, Shorter in length and on the body, Roy pulls it down to fine leg for one.
11.3 : Pat Cummins to J Bairstow, Ambitious shot! This is on the pads, Bairstow looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head.
11.4 : Pat Cummins to J Bairstow, FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs! This is short and down the leg side. Carey moves to that direction and looks to collect it but it goes over his gloves and into the fine leg fence.
Pat Cummins to J Bairstow, Shorter and outside off, JB guides it past point. They take one, Bairstow slips as he turns for the second but still goes for it and completes it. He is in pain now though.
Jonny Bairstow has taken his pads out and he looks in a lot of pain. The physio is out to have a look. He has had ankle issues before too. He has worn his pads now and Bairstow is all set to go.
11.5 : Pat Cummins to J Bairstow, Good delivery! This lands outside off and then comes back in. Bairstow looks to defend but misses to get hit high on the pads.
11.6 : Pat Cummins to J Bairstow, On the fuller side, Bairstow drives it crisply to mid off.
12.1 : N Lyon to J Roy, Short off spinner, Roy cuts it from middle stump to sweeper cover for a single.
12.2 : N Lyon to J Bairstow, Flighted outside off, Bairstow looks to play the paddle sweep but misses.
12.3 : N Lyon to J Bairstow, Good fielding from Warner! Short on middle, Bairstow pulls but Warner moves swiftly across to his left from point and saves runs with a dive.
12.4 : N Lyon to J Bairstow, EDGED AND FOUR! Floated around off, Bairstow looks to flick but gets a top edge which flies wide of short third man. Cummins gives it a chase and tries to stop the ball from going to the fence with a dive. He fails in his attempt to do so.
12.5 : N Lyon to J Bairstow, Floated on the stumps, Bairstow blocks it.
12.6 : N Lyon to J Bairstow, Flatter around off, JB cuts it to the man at short third man.
13.1 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, Good length on off, Roy mistimes it to point.
13.2 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, Slower one on off, this one also bounces a touch extra. Roy does well to keep it down as he plays it towards mid-wicket.
13.3 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, FOUR! Easy-peasy! This is down the leg side, Roy helps it on its way to the fine leg fence and bags a boundary. England are cruising at the moment.
13.4 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, Cummins bangs this one shorter and on middle, Roy evades it.
13.5 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, Back of a length and on middle, this is pushed to mid on.
13.6 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, Uppish but short! A length ball around off, this one holds up in the surface. Roy plays a check-drive which goes on the bounce to mid off. 144 more needed.
Starc is back on!
14.1 : M Starc to J Bairstow, FOUR! Powered away! Starc overpitches it on off, Bairstow moves away just a bit and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.
14.2 : M Starc to J Bairstow, Now runs it down to third man and gets a single.
14.3 : M Starc to J Roy, FOUR! This is just too good! Once again Starc bowls it on the slot in middle, Roy lofts it wide of mid off and scores a boundary. He makes it look all so easy, does Roy.
14.4 : M Starc to J Roy, Length ball outside off, Roy cuts it hard but Bherendorff dives to the left and saves a certain boundary.
14.5 : M Starc to J Roy, WIDE! Starc misses his line and bowls it down the leg side. Wide signalled.
M Starc to J Roy, FOUR! What a way to bring up his fifty! Good length ball on off, Roy creams his drive through covers and gets to his 5th World Cup fifty. His 18th in ODIs. Yes England bat deep but this man is just so crucial to this side. He raises his bat and soaks in all the well deserved applause he is getting.
14.6 : M Starc to J Roy, On the pads, Jason glances it to the on side and keeps the strike.
DRINKS! England are doing it very easily at the moment. They need another 129 runs and have 10 wickets in hand. The two out there are in the mood to finish this off quickly. Australia on the other hand, look down and out. They need someone to put their hand up and not get one, two but three wickets very quickly. Will there be some fight from the Aussies or will England crush them?
Steve Smith is on now! Finch trying everything here.
15.1 : S Smith to J Roy, Smith starts with a very low full toss around off, Roy milks it to long on for one.
15.2 : S Smith to J Bairstow, WIDE! Smith sprays this down the leg side, Bairstow looks to play the paddle but misses. Wide signalled.
S Smith to J Bairstow, Brilliantly from Maxwell. Tossed up on middle and leg, Jonny lofts it over mid on. Maxwell runs and dives to his right and saves a certain boundary.
15.3 : S Smith to J Roy, SIX! Going...going...gone! Floated on middle and leg, Roy clears his front leg and smashes it over long on. Maxwell jumps and looks to take it but he cannot do anything about it.
15.4 : S Smith to J Roy, SIX! Two in two here. Roy is a man possessed. Floated on middle, this time Roy goes straighter but the result is the same.
15.5 : S Smith to J Roy, SIX! Hat-trick of sixes and Roy is ending Smith's bowling career here. This is the biggest and the baddest of the lot. He has torn the ball to pieces here. Floated on leg, Roy demolishes it two, maybe three rows over the long on fence for a daddy six.
15.6 : S Smith to J Roy, Now calms the storms and blocks it to see through the over. Tossed up on off, Roy gives some breathing space to Smith and pushes this ball to cover. 21 off this Smith over. Don't be shocked if this is the last over we see from Smith in this game.
Marcus Stoinis is back!
16.1 : M Stoinis to J Bairstow, This is on the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
16.2 : M Stoinis to J Roy, Well fielded by Lyon! Shorter and on middle, Roy gets on top of the bounce and pulls it through mid-wicket. Lyon runs to his left, dives and pushes it back in. Saves two for his side.
16.3 : M Stoinis to J Roy, This is angled into the pads, Roy looks to flick but closes the face of the bat early. A leading edge is induced but it falls well short of the bowler.
16.4 : M Stoinis to J Roy, Around off, Roy looks to drive it with a straight bat but it goes off the outer half to point.
16.5 : M Stoinis to J Roy, On the fuller side on off, Roy pushes it to covers.
16.6 : M Stoinis to J Roy, WIDE! Way too short and down the leg side.
M Stoinis to J Roy, FOUR! That has gone to the fence like a tracer bullet! None of the Australian players even moved there. This is short again, Roy comes down the track and smashes it through mid-wicket. Runs needed is 100 now.
Mitchell Starc is back on.
17.1 : M Starc to J Bairstow, Bouncer! It is around the body, Bairstow sits under it.
0.0 : Bairstow has been adjudged LBW here. He has taken the review. Looks dead plumb.
17.2 : M Starc to J Bairstow, OUT! LBW! It looked plumb and it was plumb. Good length ball pitching on middle and leg, it straightens up a bit. Bairstow looks to play it across the line but misses. The Australian players put in a loud, confident appeal. The umpire raises his finger. Jonny has a chat with Roy and then takes it upstairs. Ultra Edge shows no involvement of bat. Ball Tracker rolls in and shows the ball was going to hit the middle pole. Bairstow takes the sole review with him but he h
Joe Root is the new man in!
17.3 : M Starc to Joe Root, FOUR! Not the most convincing ways to get off the mark but Root won't mind. Short and fast on the body, Root looks to defend but ends up gloving it fine down the leg side for a boundary.
17.4 : M Starc to Joe Root, Length ball on off, Root blocks it off the front foot.
17.5 : M Starc to Joe Root, FOUR! Starc bowls it on the pads, Root just helps it on its way fine down the leg side for a boundary. Carey dives to his left but to no avail.
17.6 : M Starc to Joe Root, FOUR! Crunched! This is the best of the lot in Root's hat-trick of boundaries. Yes, Root has scored 3 boundaries already. Good length ball outside off, Root crunches it through point for a boundary.
18.1 : M Stoinis to J Roy, MISFIELD AND FOUR! It is raining boundaries despite the fall of the wicket. Short and on middle, Roy pulls it towards mid-wicket. It bounces just in front of the fielder there who lets it through and a boundary.
18.2 : M Stoinis to J Roy, Shorter and outside off, Roy throws his bat at it but gets an edge down to third man for one.
18.3 : M Stoinis to Joe Root, Good length and on off, Root guides it to point.
18.4 : M Stoinis to Joe Root, Back of a length and on off, Root pushes it to covers.
18.5 : M Stoinis to Joe Root, Fuller and on off, Root pushes it to mid off.
18.6 : M Stoinis to Joe Root, Another dot to end! This is shorter and around off, Root guides it to short point.
Pat Cummins is back on!
19.1 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, On the pads, Roy flicks it to the on side and gets a single.
19.2 : Pat Cummins to Joe Root, FOUR! 4th boundary for Root and he has played just 9 balls. Length ball outside off, Root cuts it through point for a boundary.
19.3 : Pat Cummins to Joe Root, Bouncer now. Root pulls it in a controlled manner to deep square leg for a single.
19.4 : Pat Cummins to J Roy, OUT! Caught! Roy is unhappy and honestly Dharmasena took a long time to raise his finger. Short ball on the leg side, Roy goes chasing after it with his pull. The ball goes to the left of Carey and he takes it. The Australian players put a very confident appeal. They scream and cry for it. The umpire seemed to be unmoved but at the dying seconds he raises his finger. Roy stands there shell shocked and confused. He has a word with Erasmus, the square leg umpire. He can
Eoin Morgan is the new man in.
19.5 : Pat Cummins to E Morgan, Bouncer to welcome Morgan. Eoin sways away from it.
19.6 : Pat Cummins to E Morgan, Outside off on a length, Morgan shoulders arms to it.
Mitchell Starc is back!
20.1 : M Starc to Joe Root, Fuller and on middle, Root drives it back to the bowler.
20.2 : M Starc to Joe Root, Another fuller ball on off, Root strokes it back to the bowler once again.
20.3 : M Starc to Joe Root, Full and outside off, Root drives it to covers. Three dots.
20.4 : M Starc to Joe Root, Lovely use of the wrists there! This is on middle, Root works it through mid-wicket and bags two.
20.5 : M Starc to Joe Root, On the off pole, Root defends it onto the ground.
20.6 : M Starc to Joe Root, Nice shot! Slightly shorter and outside off, Root stays leg side of the ball and guides it past point for two.
21.1 : Pat Cummins to E Morgan, On the pads, Morgan flicks it to fine leg and gets off the mark. The English skipper unlike the Australian skipper won't bag a golden duck.
21.2 : Pat Cummins to Joe Root, Length ball on the pads, Root glances it to square leg for one.
21.3 : Pat Cummins to E Morgan, Bouncer! Morgan sways away from it.
21.4 : Pat Cummins to E Morgan, Back of a length ball on the body, Morgan defends it to the side of the pitch on the off side. Eoin shouts a loud no to his partner.
21.5 : Pat Cummins to E Morgan, Once again short, Eoin sways away from it.
21.6 : Pat Cummins to E Morgan, Pacey good length ball on the body, Morgan looks to defend but the ball raises onto him and hits him on the glove.
22.1 : M Starc to Joe Root, Fuller outside off, Root drives it off the upper half of his bat towards mid off.
22.2 : M Starc to Joe Root, Well played and well fielded too! Length ball outside off, Root cuts it hard but Maxwell at dives to his left and saves a certain boundary.
22.3 : M Starc to Joe Root, Good length ball on top of the stumps, Root looks to play but misses.
22.4 : M Starc to Joe Root, On the pads, Root glances it down the leg side for a single.
The first slip is deep now. No I have not made any mistake. The man at third man is standing exactly deep where first slip would be if placed inside the circle.
22.5 : M Starc to E Morgan, FOUR! Good length ball around off, all the men in the deep are square on either side. Morgan lofts it over square leg for a boundary.
22.6 : M Starc to E Morgan, Back of a length ball on off, Morgan defends it off the back foot.
23.1 : Pat Cummins to Joe Root, Back of a length on middle, this is played towards wide mid on for one.
23.2 : Pat Cummins to E Morgan, In the air... but safe! Shorter and on the body, Morgan looks to flick but it hits the handle and lobs beside the pitch.
23.3 : Pat Cummins to E Morgan, Edge run! This is a good length ball on middle, Morgan looks to defend by staying leg side of the delivery. It goes off the outside edge and down to third man for one.
23.4 : Pat Cummins to Joe Root, Shortish and outside off, Root slaps it through covers for one.
23.5 : Pat Cummins to E Morgan, A bumper but it is way too short. Morgan ducks under it. Wided.
Pat Cummins to E Morgan, Shorter and on the body, Morgan hops and keeps it out.
23.6 : Pat Cummins to E Morgan, FOUR! Up and over! A little too full by Cummins. Morgan lofts it over the mid off fielder and bags a boundary.
24.1 : M Starc to Joe Root, Good length ball on off, Root pushes it to mid off.
24.2 : M Starc to Joe Root, Fuller around off, Root drives it but it goes straight to Stoinis at cover. For a minute it looked like he was out caught but he it it on the bounce.
24.3 : M Starc to Joe Root, Back of a length on off, Root defends it off the back foot.
24.4 : M Starc to Joe Root, FOUR! Poor ball this! Full on the pads, Root flicks it fine down the leg side to the the fine leg fence for a boundary. 54 needed now.
24.5 : M Starc to Joe Root, Good length ball on off, JR defends it to point.
24.6 : M Starc to Joe Root, Length ball on off, Root drives it to the left of mid off and takes one. He will keep the strike. 53 needed off 150 balls, just in case you wondered what was the equation.
Nathan Lyon is back!
25.1 : N Lyon to Joe Root, On the pads, Root turns it square on the leg side for a single.
25.2 : N Lyon to E Morgan, Flighted outside off, Morgan looks to play the reverse sweep but misses.
25.3 : N Lyon to E Morgan, Floated on the stumps, Morgan defends it off the front foot.
25.4 : N Lyon to E Morgan, Shorter on middle, Eoin strokes it to extra cover.
25.5 : N Lyon to E Morgan, FOUR! Up and over with sheer control. Floated on off, Morgan connects his reverse sweep over point for a boundary.
25.6 : N Lyon to E Morgan, Shorter on off, Morgan guides it down to third man and gets a brace.
Jason Behrendorff is back!
26.1 : J Behrendorff to Joe Root, Full on the pads, Root flicks it towards square leg and gets a single.
26.2 : J Behrendorff to E Morgan, Good length ball outside off, Morgan looks to defend inside the line but misses.
26.3 : J Behrendorff to E Morgan, In the air..but just wide! Slower ball on off, Morgan looks to go over mid off. He does not time it well as the ball comes off the lower half of his bat. It still goes over mid off. Finch runs behind and stretches his arms out wide but cannot get there. Two taken.
26.4 : J Behrendorff to E Morgan, On the pads, Morgan flicks it to mid-wicket.
Change of bats for Morgan. Seems like his handle is off.
26.5 : J Behrendorff to E Morgan, FOUR! Morgan standing tall and facing the short balls with authority now. Short ball on off, Morgan pulls it with control through square leg for a boundary.
26.6 : J Behrendorff to E Morgan, Another short ball, once again Morgan pulls it in control towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
27.1 : N Lyon to E Morgan, Short on middle, Morgan cuts it towards point and gets one.
27.2 : N Lyon to Joe Root, Tossed up around off, Root milks it to long on for one.
27.3 : N Lyon to E Morgan, FOUR! Darted on the pads, Morgan premeditates his sweep and hits it fine down the leg side. The fielder is up inside the circle there. He gives it a chase but cannot stop it.
27.4 : N Lyon to E Morgan, FOUR! Cut and cut hard this time. Short around off, Morgan gets on his back foot and cuts it through cover-point for a boundary.
27.5 : N Lyon to E Morgan, In the air but safe. Quicker and shorter, Morgan looks to cut but gets it off the upper half of his bat. The ball falls short of the man at short third man.
27.6 : N Lyon to E Morgan, Short again, this time Morgan strokes it towards point and keeps the strike with a single. 50-run stand comes up between the ODI skipper and Test skipper.
28.1 : J Behrendorff to E Morgan, Good length ball on off, Morgan looks to pull but it does not come off the middle. It goes to the man at mid on.
28.2 : J Behrendorff to E Morgan, Length delivery around off, Morgan comes down the track and pulls it to mid-wicket off the inner half of his bat.
28.3 : J Behrendorff to E Morgan, Bouncer! Morgan sits under it.
28.4 : J Behrendorff to E Morgan, Good length ball on off, Morgan defends it to the off side.
28.5 : J Behrendorff to E Morgan, Slower bouncer. It is bowled at 112 kph but it is on the leg side it has not been wided.
28.6 : J Behrendorff to E Morgan, Morgan comes down the track and hits it to mid on. Another maiden for Behrendorff.
Drinks Break! Nothing much to tell, England are cruising along and have all but sealed their place in the Finals. Only a giant miracle can see Australia win this, it looks almost impossible for them.
29.1 : N Lyon to Joe Root, Off spinner on off, Root turns it with the spin to square leg and gets a single.
29.2 : N Lyon to E Morgan, FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Morgan lofts his punch over extra cover for a boundary. There was a shout for catch it but don't know for whom.
29.3 : N Lyon to E Morgan, On the pads, Morgan sweeps it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple.
29.4 : N Lyon to E Morgan, Short around off, Morgan punches it through covers for a single.
29.5 : N Lyon to Joe Root, FOUR! Tossed up on middle, Root reverse sweeps it through point for a boundary.
29.6 : N Lyon to Joe Root, On the pads, Root flicks it to the on side and keeps the strike. Just 14 runs needed now.
30.1 : J Behrendorff to Joe Root, Good length ball around off, Root stands tall and punches it to point.
30.2 : J Behrendorff to Joe Root, WIDE! Behrendorff misses his line with the slower one. It is down the leg side. Wide signalled.
J Behrendorff to Joe Root, Good length ball on off, Root defends it off the back foot.
30.3 : J Behrendorff to Joe Root, Length delivery on off, Root blocks it off the front foot.
30.4 : J Behrendorff to Joe Root, FOUR! Too good! Bouncer on middle, Root pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Just 9 needed now. The 1992 inspired kit is taking this England team to the finals for the first time since 1992.
30.5 : J Behrendorff to Joe Root, Yorker on off, Root does well to dig it out.
30.6 : J Behrendorff to Joe Root, Full toss on off, Root does not make the most of it. He hit it to fine leg and gets a single.
Mitchell Starc is back!
31.1 : M Starc to Joe Root, Back of a length ball on off, Root defends it off the front foot.
31.2 : M Starc to Joe Root, FOUR! Just used the pace of the ball. Good length ball on off, Root drives it through covers and gets a boundary. Moves to 48 and now England just a boundary away from sealing their place in the Final.
31.3 : M Starc to Joe Root, Back of a length ball, Root pulls it to deep mid-wicket and gets a single.
31.4 : M Starc to E Morgan, Very full on off, Morgan strokes it to covers and gets a single. There is an overthrow at the keeper's end but no extra run.
31.5 : M Starc to Joe Root, Full again on off, Root strokes it to mid off.
31.6 : M Starc to Joe Root, Excellent fielding! The Aussies won't just give it up. Good length ball around off, Root cuts but Maxwell at short third man dives to his left and stops the winning runs. Just delaying the inevitable.
32.1 : J Behrendorff to E Morgan, FOUR! That's it! England go to the finals for the first time since 1992. Good length ball on off, Morgan flat-bats it over mid on for a boundary. The crowd erupt in joy. The ODI skipper and Test skipper have a hug and smile in the middle. The English fans are delighted. The defending champions are out and we will have a new champion. ENGLAND WIN BY 8 WICKETS.
England have literally barged into the finals! We are now sure of having a new World Cup winner. The English side has done it with so much ease. They have cruised through. They have made the mighty Aussies look so tiny.
The England innings was all about Jason Roy! Yes, there were scores from the other batters as well but it was Roy's innings which was the stand out. He was the mainstay in his 124-run stand with Bairstow which more or less sealed the deal for the England side. Roy though was unlucky to be dismissed 15 short of a ton but Morgan and Root then ensured there were no further wickets to fall and the two took England over the line.
Not a lot you can write about a side's bowling attack when they have conceded 224 in less than 35 overs. Australia needed early wickets but they did not get any. They seemed helpless as their bowlers got no assistance from the wicket. Also, they had no answers to the assault by Roy and Bairstow. Starc and Cummins did take a wicket each but it was just a mere consolation.
However, the Australian bowlers can't be blamed a lot as it was their batters who let them down today. After winning the toss and electing to bat, their top order was blown away. Smith did show some fight, first with Carey and then with Starc but Woakes and Rashid's brilliant spells ensured they bowl Australia out for a low total which their batters chased down without breaking a sweat.
MAN OF THE MATCH, Chris Woakes, says it is an incredible performance by the team, it started off with the ball but the way the batters knocked the runs off was brilliant. Admits they were nervous in the morning which is quite natural but the way they won it speaks a lot about their side. Further adds he was nervous and hence, he got the length wrong on the first ball but then got his length right and it went well. Reckons it was not a bad wicket but they found the right lengths, also, Australia
Australian skipper, Aaron Finch, says they were outplayed. Admits after they were 27 for 3 and it got difficult to get back into the game. States it was a combination of both, the wicket doing and a bit and England bowling well but you expect the new ball to do a bit in the first half and they did well to hit the stumps. Further adds they tried to do the same but could not do it. Mentions you always want to win but there have been some positives, a lot of character has been shown in the last 6 m
England skipper, Eoin Morgan, says he is very delighted, he thanks the fans for their support. Mentions they came in here with a lot of confidence, they wanted to get better after each game and today was an example. He is very happy for Woakes, he is a cool customer and he goes about his business nicely. States today was his day, he and archer were excellent with the new balls and the guys later on were brilliant. Mentions Roy and Bairstow are in the form of their life and are very dangerous onc
So, that's it from semifinal 2. It is going to be England who will battle it out against New Zealand in the final at Lord's. The hosts' 9969 days wait to play in the final is over. It will be played on Sunday, 14th July. That match will begin at 10.30 am local (0930 GMT). Whoever, the winner is, it will be the first time that country lifts the cup. Will it be England? or will it be New Zealand? Make sure you join us for that to find out who the new champions will be. Till then, take care, cheers
So, that's it from semifinal 2. It is going to be England who will battle it out against New Zealand in the final at Lord's. The hosts' 9969 days wait to play in the final is over. It will be played on Sunday, 14th July. That match will begin at 10.30 am local (0930 GMT). Whoever, the winner is, it will be the first time that country lifts the cup. Will it be England? or will it be New Zealand? Make sure you join us for that to find out who the new champions will be. Till then, take care, cheers