FINAL DEMAND
Stokes warns every game is crucial after washout
BEN STOKES has told his team-mates to get ready for two cup finals as England try to keep their World Cup campaign on track after a washout with Australia.
The good news is that England still have their destiny in their own hands as they aim to beat New Zealand and Sri Lanka in their final group matches with net run rate the tie-breaker if three teams end up with seven points.
By virtue of playing the Chris Silverwood-coached Sri Lanka in the last game of the group, there is a chance that England will know exactly what they need to do to qualify for the semi-finals.
“The way the weather is, it is going to be like playing a final every game,” said Stokes.
“That is what these competitions are about, you are always under pressure to perform.
“We’ll be looking forward to the next two games.
“We were nowhere near our best against Ireland and we can’t be doing that deep into the competition. We were disappointed, we’ve reflected on it, and let it go to get ready for the next one.”
The next one is a ‘final’ against the Kiwis, which should be a heck of a treat for fans if the last one in 2019 was anything to go by.
Since then, though, New Zealand got one over on England in the semi-final of this tournament last year, which tells you everything you need to know about the challenge facing Jos Buttler’s side now. It is perhaps part of the reason why they were so keen to get the game on at the MCG before La Nina’s final rain deluge put paid to hopes of even a fiveover thrash in front of the 37,565-strong crowd.
“It was due to be a massive game so we are very disappointed not to play,” said Buttler. “We came here wanting to win the game, but the right call was made, it wasn’t fit to play.
“We are still in the competition and know, to a certain degree, we have our destiny in our own hands. We have had some brilliant games against New Zealand, although it would do well to live up to the 2019 final. They are really tough opponents.”
Moving up to Brisbane for that game should bring some warmer weather, although the weather forecast does suggest there is more rain due on Tuesday too.
Another washout would put this tournament into farce territory, with Afghanistan already suffering two abandonments.
Organisers cannot say they were not warned with the following advice from the official Australia.com website about the weather in Melbourne: “Pack your umbrella – October is the wettest month.”
It is why Cricket Australia had never previously scheduled a men’s international match at the MCG in October and the three games they have played here were at the stadium across the city with a roof.
“It is as wet as I’ve ever seen it,” added proud Victorian and Aussie skipper Aaron Finch.
“It is disappointing not to get on but the amount of rain falling in Melbourne and Australia has been amazing.”