England were blown away by their old rivals Australia at Lord’s much to the disappointment of everyone present at the home of cricket. A few weeks ago before the World Cup started, England were invincible as they were almost winning matches after matches and looked unbeatable in home conditions. But we have seen this several times that Cricket is a funny game and in a World Cup, any team can upstage even the best sides in the World. England are now in a very critical situation as now they have to win both their matches against heavyweights India and New Zealand if they hope to reach the all-important Semi-Finals. But are England Choking in the World Cup? Here are the reasons for their horror show in two back to back matches against Sri Lanka and Australia.
NO JASON ROY
Jason Roy is the engine of the English side, as he more often than not gives his side a good start to the innings. Since his injury against the West Indies at Southampton the New opening Partnership of Johnny Bairstow and James Vince have been unable to string together a good opening partnership for England. Bairstow got out on a duck against Srilanka at Headingley, whereas Vince did the same against Australia as he was dismissed on the second ball of the England innings. England are desperately hoping that Roy gets fit in time before their big game against India at Birmingham on Sunday.
NOT GOOD CHASER
When England bat first, they look a completely different side and posts mammoth totals on the board. But when they chase, they seem to be under immense pressure from ball one and choke when the situation gets tough. Take the game against Pakistan at Trent Bridge, the side they beat by 4-0 just before the World Cup, failed to chase a target on a flat wicket. Then it was the turn of Sri Lanka, who shocked England and defended a total of less than 250 runs. Morgan who surprisingly chose to bowl first against Australia failed to chase a target of 286 and crumbled under pressure once again.
POOR SHOT SELECTION
England Batsman have played some ordinary shots in the World Cup so far. No one apart from Ben Stokes and Joe Root to an extent seem to be ready to finish games. Eoin Morgan played a woeful shot against Australia when they were already two wickets down for not too many runs. Similarly, Bairstow also tried to manufacture a shot which wasn’t even required at that stage. If England makes these mistakes one more time, they will have to pack their bags as they would be out of the World Cup.
THE WORLD CUP PRESSURE
Another reason for England losing the plot at the World Cup could be the fact that the side has never won a World Cup and are feeling the pressure of playing the big event at home. England are a quality side but when it comes to the big events the side who performs under pressure wins more than a side that just wants to play attacking shots all the time.
The England Cricket team started brilliantly against South Africa and Windies but since that loss against Pakistan has resulted in them choking 3 times so far in the World Cup. Their Captain Eoin Morgan after their loss yesterday said:” Our Basics gets challenged on non-batter friendly conditions.” Morgan also said the loss against Australia was highly disappointing for everyone in the England team. He also stated that “ Confidence is not where it was at the start of the tournament”.
England has to bring their best game against India and New Zealand in their upcoming fixtures as all the teams are striving hard to reach the Semi-Finals. England are a quality side and with the results, they have been producing in the last few years should be able to make the semis but one more loss would mean the World Cup will not be coming home again.
