England hit Oz for six to reach final
ENGLAND’S cricket team are on the verge of making history after storming into the World Cup final with a sensational victory over old rivals Australia yesterday.
There were wild scenes of celebration at Edgbaston, Birmingham, and across the country after captain Eoin Morgan’s men claimed an eight-wicket win in a thrilling semi-final.
The demolition of Australia, the defending champions, means England are on the brink of glory as they attempt to become world champions for the first time.
They are now red-hot favourites to beat New Zealand in the final at Lord’s on Sunday.
It was England’s first win in a World Cup knockout match since their last semi-final win in 1992. They went on to lose the final to Pakistan in Melbourne, Australia.
After yesterday’s victory, there was even more good news for fans after it was announced that the final will be screened for free.
Matches have up until now been
Opportunity
shown on Sky Sports for subscribers only, but the final will be screened on Channel 4, switching to More 4 after lunch.
Last night Morgan thanked supporters for roaring his team on to the “awesome” win.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted. I would like to thank the fans today – we’ve had unbelievable support and Edgbaston has always been very kind to us.
“We set the tone early on and when we got on top we made Australia pay. The final is a huge opportunity for us.”
England’s fast-bowling sensation Jofra Archer – who removed Australian captain Aaron Finch with his first ball yesterday – said after the victory: “It’s up there with one of the best days in my career, but then Sunday might be the best so I’ll save it for then.”
The win left the Australians conceding that, for once, they had to accept second best.
Finch said his side had “got hurt by a very good England team”.
NOW the nation can dare to dream that England’s cricket team will lift the World Cup trophy this Sunday after yesterday’s glorious demolition job of the Aussies. This will be the first final England has reached in 27 years and fans of all ages will savour the encounter with the Kiwis.
Captain Eoin Morgan and his men have already made us proud. Based on their stunning performance at Edgbaston, we can hope the best is yet to come.