After defeat to Australia, Shoaib Akhtar thinks ‘England in deep waters’

Pre-tournament favourites and World Cup hosts England have now landed in deep trouble. While the majority in the cricketing fraternity was expecting England to go all the way and win their first ever World Cup, the Three Lions are now in danger of missing out on a semi-final spot. England, on Tuesday, suffered their second back-to-back loss in the tournament and third overall after Australia beat them by 64 runs.

The reigning world champions showed why they are the most successful team in the history of the World Cup by putting up a thoroughly professional performance. Despite losing the toss and being asked to bat first on a tough pitch, Australia never found themselves on the back foot. Aaron Finch led from the front by scoring his second century of the competition while in-form David Warner scored a fifty as the two added another century-plus stand.

England pulled things back well to restrict Australia to 285 for 7. However, their batsmen let them down once again. Within ten overs, James Vince, Joe Root and Eoin Morgan returned to the pavilion. Ben Stokes for a second game on the trot waged a lone battle but found little support from the other end. And once Mitchell Starc ended his innings with a superb yorker in the 37th over, it was all over for the hosts. England were eventually all out for just 221.

Shoaib Akhtar worried for England:

With England now struggling to keep their campaign on track, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has given his two cents. The tearaway pacer said that the hosts are in ‘deep waters’ and face a huge task in the upcoming games to secure a passage to the semi-final.

“England in deep waters. Stuck at 8 points. Beaten comprehensively by Australia. Upcoming matches are against India and New Zealand. Huge task and pressure games!!,” Shoaib Akhtar wrote on Twitter.

England in deep waters. Stuck at 8 points. Beaten comprehensively by Australia.
Upcoming matches are against India and New Zealand. Huge task and pressure games!!#ENGvsAUS #CWC19

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) June 25, 2019

In their remaining two games, England will face India and New Zealand. Both the teams are unbeaten in the tournament so far and are bound to make life difficult for the hosts. England need to win both the games to secure their passage to the semi-final. If they lose one, they will have to depend on other results.