Jake having a ball after England’s win

ENGLAND seamer Jake Ball described it as “a great feeling” after an 87-run win against New Zealand ensured they became the first side to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Joe Root’s 64 and an unbeaten 61 from Jos Buttler guided England to a total of 310 all out in Cardiff.

Luke Ronchi’s middle stump was knocked back by Ball in the first over of the reply, and once Kane Williamson edged Mark Wood behind for 87 the Black Caps never looked like staging a successful chase.

Liam Plunkett took four for 55 as New Zealand were bundled out for 223.

“It was about trying to put it in the right area and hopefully something will happen,” Ball told Sky Sports 2.

The Nottinghamshire quick had conceded 82 runs in the victory over Bangladesh at the Oval, but delivered two maidens en route to figures of two for 31 on Tuesday.

“I think that’s one-day cricket - you have to be prepared to go round the park now and again and cherish these days when you come off with decent figures,” he added.

“It’s a great feeling - obviously we’ve got one more game against the Aussies and it would be nice to beat them and go unbeaten in the group stage.”

England captain Eoin Morgan praised his side’s bowlers, but insisted his team were not content merely with progressing to the last four as they chase a first global 50-over title.

“We weren’t that pleased with it at the halfway stage, we thought we were 15 or 20 short of par,” said Morgan.

“It goes to show the batting lineup we have; posting 300 you’re always in with a shout.

“We thought there was no value in full (bowling), so we used a lot of cross-seamers and cutters into the wicket.”

Asked about qualifying for the next round the Dubliner added: “It sounds pretty good. We’re not satisfied with the semis, we feel this group has a lot of potential - we have a lot of hard work ahead.”

After rain denied them a win against Australia, New Zealand must now beat Bangladesh in their last group game and hope England can overcome the Aussies.

“They had a number of contributions which allowed them to get what I think was an above-par score,” skipper Williamson said. “England outplayed us in all areas.” JASON Gillespie has admitted “you never say never” when asked about the possibility of rejoining Yorkshire.

Gillespie won two Specsavers County Championship titles as coach of the White Rose side before leaving Headingley last September.

He has since returned to county cricket for a short and successful spell as assistant coach of Kent, which comes to an end this week.

The fast bowling legend returns to his native Australia before taking on a position as coach of a national A tour to South Africa.

Gillespie has taken on a number of a short-term roles in recent times, including as coach of Big Bash side Adelaide Strikers.

The 42-year-old was back in Yorkshire for a brief catch up with old friends before returning to Kent to help them prepare for tomorrow’s County Championship clash with Durham at Canterbury.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with Kent,” he said.

“There’s some fine cricketers playing in Division Two, and from what I’ve seen there’s been some fine cricket played.”

Despite being otherwise engaged with Matt Walker, Sam Northeast and company, ‘Dizzy’ has still found time to keep track of White Rose results.

“The first one I look at is the Yorkie boys to see how they’re going,” he said.

“I’ve had some great memories with them and have made some great friends.

“They’ve had a fine start to the season at Yorkshire.

“They’ve done incredibly well in the 50-over comp, and they’ve played some pretty good cricket in the Championship as well.

“I think Yorkshire are in for a fine year, I’ve got no doubt about that.”

And when asked about a return to county cricket and, more specifically, Yorkshire in the future, he admitted to being open to the prospect whether it be in time for the new T20 competition in 2020 or even beforehand.

“You never say never,” he said. “When I stepped down at Yorkshire, I certainly didn’t think I’d be back at another county so quickly. The nature of the business, who knows what’s around the corner.”