WHAT’S HOT WHAT’S NOT

WORLD CUP FINAL SPECIAL

HOT JASON ROY

ONE of the images of the World Cup has to be Australia’s Steve Smith staring open-mouthed as Roy launched yet another six over the ropes at Edgbaston. England struck 69 sixes in the five World Cups before this one. In this tournament alone they have bludgeoned 74.

JOFRA ARCHER

IT WASN’T the ball that Archer delivered to dislodge Alex Carey’s helmet that said so much about England’s new quick bowler, but the way he reacted. While team-mates gathered around the Aussie to check his welfare, Archer retreated to stand silently with his arms folded. There is plenty of time for tea and sympathy — and it is after the game, not in the middle of it. KANE WILLIAMSON NEW ZEALAND’S progress to the final has been quiet, to say the least. Brushed aside easily by England and Australia in the group stage, they had not beaten anybody of note until disposing of India in the semi-final and have passed 250 with the bat on just one occasion. But the captain has scored 30 per cent of New Zealand’s runs on his own and, as such, Williamson remains the primary obstacle to England’s hopes tomorrow.

NOT KUMAR DHARMASENA

THE Sri Lankan umpire’s decision to give Jason Roy out at Edgbaston was probably the most awful one of the World Cup. Sadly, Roy’s reaction was even worse and he is a lucky boy to be free to play in tomorrow’s final — when Dharmasena will be out in the middle again. If the England opener wants to rant and rave at officials, he should take up football.

VIRAT KOHLI

HE IS without doubt the greatest batsman in the world today, but Kohli has a poor record in World Cup semi-finals. The India captain has scored just 11 runs (9, 1, 1) in three semi-finals dating back to 2011 and his dismissal for a single at Old Trafford against New Zealand was one of the turning points of the game.

FOOD RIP-OFFS

CRICKET needs its paying customers more than ever, so why insult them by asking for £7 for a Cornish pasty at Edgbaston? Burgers were also going for £7.50 at some outlets, while a pint was £5.50 and fish and chips were up towards a tenner. There really is no excuse for these extortionate prices.