A sublime Australia steamrolled hosts England by 64 runs at Lord’s on Tuesday to sail into the Cricket World Cup semi-finals. The morale-crushing defeat against the reigning champions put the home side in serious danger of failing to make the last four. 

In-form Australian Captain Aaron Finch hit a brilliant century to guide his side’s score to 285 for seven after being put in to bat at the home of cricket. In reply, the English suffered an early collapse as they were reduced to 26 for three with the Australian bowlers firing on all cylinders.  

Although a valiant Ben Stokes defied a calf injury to smash a brave 89, the hapless hosts failed to even get closer to their target. Aussie bowler Jason Behrendorff grabbed five wickets to dismantle the English batting as the hot favorite hosts were bundled out for 221 in the 45th over. 

This was Australia’s sixth win in seven games as they became the first team to make it to the last four stage in this year’s tournament, featuring the top 10 cricket-playing nations, while pre-tournament favorites England have now lost three matches to face a serious exit scare as they may need to beat India and New Zealand to make the cut to the knockout stages. 

Skipper Finch, who was also adjudged the Man of the Match, said in the post-match press conference, “You don't win the tournament if you don't reach the semis. That's the first bit ticked off.” 

“England are a standout side, they are a team that can take you apart at stages. We found ways to keep getting wickets. Behrendorff bowled beautifully,” the talismanic Aussie batsman added. 

England captain Eoin Morgan mentioned, “I thought for a lot of today we were outplayed. Losing early wickets was not ideal and we were not able contribute to a substantial partnership to win the game. Given the circumstances it is not hugely disappointing. Our fate is in our own hands.”