Published: Jun 30, 2019, 11:28 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 30, 2019, 11:29 PM (IST)
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Match 38 of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and England at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Sunday.
Up until a week ago, the India-England clash was supposed to be the marquee clash of the tournament. Two sides that were most audience’s favourites even before the World Cup started. Forget Australia, who are at the top of the table. No buzz about New Zealand either, who are one win away from joining Australia in the semi-finals. Everything was about India and England – the No 1 and 2 ranked sides in the world.
Yet, in a matter of four days, the entire complexion of the contest has changed drastically. India are on the brink of a place in the final four and England in a spot where they need to beat the best side in the world to keep their chances alive. How did it come down to this? Only England know. But in a tension-filled environment, where shots are being exchanged between current and former players, England can reinvent themselves to be the team which started this tournament as co-favourites. Win the next two and advance. But lose one and it appears tough.
The rain has subsided and the sun is out bright, but the real chill seems to be missing in the dressing room. Admit it or not, Eoin Morgan and his team are under extreme pressure. They need to beat India and later New Zealand to ensure they go through. If not, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka continue to breathe down England’s neck. Their problems are self-inflicted. On the traditional flat surfaces, they score, and score big. But whenever their batsmen are subjected to a surface which tests their technique and skills to adapt, they go down.
