Chris: No way in World did I think we’d be in showpiece
UPDATE
CHRIS WOAKES admitted England reaching the World Cup Final was unthinkable just a few weeks ago after back-to-back defeats in the group stage.
But the hosts defied the odds to book their place in the Lord’s showpiece against New Zealand on Sunday with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Australia, overhauling their 224 target with a whopping 107 balls to spare.
Woakes took three for 20 against the defending champions to complete a stunning turnaround from last month’s slumps to Aaron Finch’s side and Sri Lanka.
He said: “I’m delighted, especially given a few games ago when we were under pressure to qualify – we didn’t even think this was possible.
“We can beat anyone on our day. Semi-finals are usually nervy and often tight so to win the way we did was incredible.” MOTORRACING: Lewis Hamilton has hit out at the decision to host this weekend’s British Grand Prix at the same time as the Wimbledon and Cricket World Cup finals.
The 34-year-old can make F1 history on Sunday when he targets a record sixth victory in his home race at Silverstone.
But a clash of schedules means Hamilton, whose superb campaign sees him lead the title race by 31 points from Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, will have to fight for the attention of the British public.
He said: “I don’t understand it. I hope in future they put this on its own. This is such a special weekend it needs all the focus of the whole country.” CYCLING: Geraint Thomas made a big statement of intent to show he is still the boss on the Tour de France’s toughest stages.
The defending champion climbed to fifth in the general classification, above Team Ineos mate Egan Bernal, with a blistering ride on the slopes of La Planche des Belles Filles.
He turned his five-second deficit on Bernal into a foursecond lead and, with the time trial next week, his prospects of rolling into Paris sipping champagne have increased.
Belgium’s Dylan Teuns won the 100-mile stage six from Mulhouse and Italian Giuliano Ciccone took over the leader’s yellow jersey.