An Aaron Finch ton and a Jason Behrendorff five-for helped Australia seal a semi-final spot with a dominant 64-run win against England at Lord’s.
In what has been always regarded as the biggest rival in cricket, Australia took on England at Lord’s.
The hosts were in need of a win to take the heat off and create some distance between them and those below them snapping at their heals.
Australia were looking to seal a semi-final spot.
The Baggy Greens batted first and set a total of 285-7. Their success at the crease was largely due to a sensational opening stand of 123 between Australian captain Aaron Finch and David Warner.
Warner managed 53 before losing his wicket. Finch saw Usman Khawaja lose his wicket to reduce Australia to 173-2, before reaching his century and taking his side to 185 before losing his own wicket.
This set the tone for important cameos from Steve Smith (38) and Alex Carey (38), which ultimately pushed Australia to their total.
England’s innings was disastrous. All the talk about their batting lineup was silenced through a dominant bowling display by Behrendorff, who struck at the top and at the back end, to finish with figures of 5-44.
Mitchell Starc supported his opening partner beautifully and was key to toppling England’s middle order, removing Joe Root, Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes, to finish with 4-43.
England lost wickets early and were reduced to 53-4 in just under 14 overs.
Stokes was the only bright light for England, scoring 89 runs to take England to 177, but was undone by a lethal in-swinging yorker.
Australia bowled England out for 221 to seal their semi-final spot.
For England, they have India and New Zealand left to play to seal their spot in the semi-final.
Photo: Cricket World Cup/Twitter
