• Roy avoids ban after ‘f***ing embarrassing’ remark

    Batsman Jason Roy has avoided suspension after Thursday’s outburst during England’s semi-final against Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

    Roy struck a characteristically brisk 85, which included three consecutive sixes off leg-spinner Steven Smith, before being given out – incorrectly – by umpire Kumar Dharmasena. Television replays showed the hard-hitting right-hander had not edged the ball to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

    The Englishman remonstrated with Dharmasena and fellow umpire Marais Erasmus – and was recorded saying, ‘That’s f***king embarrassing’ – before leaving the field in a huff. He was later fined.

    ‘It was a dreadful decision for Dharmasena to give him out. I hope the focus of this game doesn’t rest on that. This was an incredibly dominant display from an England team who are ready to win this World Cup,’ former England spinner Graeme Swann told ESPNcricinfo.

    England won the match to advance to Sunday’s final against New Zealand at Lord’s in London. The Black Caps beat India in Tuesday and Wednesday’s rain-affected first semi-final. Neither boast a World Cup title. New Zealand lost to Australia in the 2015 final. England suffered final defeats by the West Indies, Australia and Pakistan in 1979, 1987 and 1992, respectively.

    ‘Sunday’s not a day to shy away from. It’s a day to look forward to. We have created the opportunity to play in a World Cup final. It will be a matter of trying to produce everything that we can performance-wise, but enjoy the day,’ said captain Eoin Morgan.

    ‘It’s an opportunity for us on Sunday. A huge one. Making the most of the opportunity of getting to the final would be fantastic, but just getting there is awesome.’

    Photo: Getty Images

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