Published: Jun 18, 2019, 11:09 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 18, 2019, 11:11 PM (IST)
Hello and welcome to our live blog of Match 24 of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between England and Afghanistan at Old Trafford, Manchester on Tuesday.
Perhaps the only thing in common between England and Afghanistan is that they are two of the only three teams who haven’t been affected by rain. Otherwise, both are poles apart. Generally and even in the points table. The most that was expected from Afghanistan was to spring a couple of surprised at max.
So far it hasn’t happened, but just think for a moment what it will do Afghanistan if England are the first team to be handed an upset. It may not be equivalent to winning the World Cup, but still could very well be. Afghanistan are at the bottom of the barrel, pretty much of out the World Cup, facing a side that are co-favourites.
England have been dealt a major blow with the news of star opener Jason Roy being ruled out the next two-three games. Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib admitted they are lucky to face an England side without Roy – after a hamstring tear he sustained against West Indies was confirmed – calling the opener one of the best batsmen in the world at the moment.
Roy has been phenomenal for England, and his absent opens the door fir James Vince, who had an extended hit out in the nets on Monday. Eoin Morgan has undergone thorough medication and although his back feels a lot better, the management is yet to decide on his availability. England sit fourth on the points table, overcoming the little stutter against Pakistan, and seek those two crucial points which will elevate them to the top of the rankings.
And right down there is Afghanistan, who simply haven’t produced that standard yet which makes them one of the most entertaining teams to watch. Their rise in world cricket makes for a joyous read, but the same fire has gone missing for a tournament Afghanistan prepared so dedicatedly for. And while Afghanistan have struggled to get their campaign up and running, England have motored along nicely and look to erase any doubts of a possible shock defeat. That said, Morgan and England would not want complacency to creep in.
