Heard some expert on the radio earlier, saying he was the only one who shouldn't resign, as from the start he was trying to get the others to take it more seriously and take action against those involved.
Nice scenes at the end of the Aus v West Indies game there, Gayle and Bravo retiring given guard of honour as they left the pitch, 2 excellent cricketers and fully deserved.
Oh well, unbeaten run goes but still into the semi's. Good to see Rabada get a hat trick at the end. Looks bad for Roy though, we'll miss him.
If Roy hadn't got injured, we probably wouldn't fall 10 runs short. It's a funny old game when Morgan is coming in at 7.
Not sure how that is classed as a hat trick, but hey ho! Small margins, had Woakes been a couple of yards higher when he was caught off the first ball of the last over, we would likely have won. Now without Archer, Stokes, Mills, Roy, Sam Curran. Though it'd be harsh on Billings, I'd bring Vince in as a straight replacement for Roy.
Maybe warrants a separate thread, but I think the ECB are very lucky to have Morgan and Root, as they are very inspirational human beings. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/...y1ocrzukpFrWWkjVY3VkD-QQTTeknold9l26VlUWB8XgI I recall watching live Root's immediate riposte, in the heat of 'the battle' when West Indian fast bowler Shannon Gabriel sledged him, 'do you like boys'(presumably because of his fresh, youthful looks) was 'Nothing wrong with being gay, Shannon'. If it's relevant, he's a happily married man but the speed of that response, in the 'heat of the battle' just showed to me his credentials as a leader.
Just fell slightly short, but maybe to lose one when it doesn't really matter too much, might be the inspiration to push harder in the semi's and hopefully the final. I did just worry we peaked a bit early, I hope that is not the case.
Semi Final day. Bowling is pretty even but even without Roy we edge it in the batting. Pakistan v Australia harder to predict though I would prefer to face Australia in the final.
We edge on batting and spin, they edge it in the seam bowling department. Roy will be a big loss but plenty of explosive batsmen in that side to make up for it, albeit aside from Buttler they haven't quite hit the heights we know they can.
To be honest I think we edge all departments. NZ do have that team spirit and winning mentality. England to shade it though.
We'll miss Roy and his explosive input, but I suspect Bairstow will be moved up, and Billings will be included, good against seam and spin and a wonderful fielder. Be a tight one but England to edge it, and face the team of the tournament so far in the final .. Pakistan
Well NZ won the toss, a bit of a blow, could sway it in their favour. But the England team has quality right through, so is likely to be a nail-biter.
