World Cup 2019, Semifinal 2: 3 reasons why Australia lost against England

#3 Pacers have an off day

Mitchell Starc

Australia’s seam attack has looked solid in this World Cup. Mitchell Starc has spearheaded Australia’s campaign and has been the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 27 wickets.

Starc was clinical with the ball throughout the World Cup 2019, providing crucial breakthroughs for Australia. He was ably supported by Jason Behrendorff and Pat Cummins.

Defending a small target of 224 runs, Australia needed some big wickets right at the top from their star pacemen. They were very successful in the league stage against England and were hoping for similar success in the semis.

However, it didn’t go according to the plans for the defending champions as the England openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow put on 124 runs for the first wicket in no time. The trio of Aussie pacemen could only pick two wickets from their combined 24 overs. It led to Australia’s first ever defeat in the semi-finals of a World Cup.

Also see – Most world cup wins