CWC 2019: Cricket fraternity hails England bowlers as they bundle out Australia for 223 in the second semi-final

Steve Smith was the highest scorer for Australia with 85.

Chris Woakes bowled beautifully with the new ball | Getty

England and Australia are facing each other in the second semi-final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at Edgbaston on Thursday (July 11).

Opting to bat first, Australia got off to a terrible start as they lost both their openers with just 10 runs on the board. While Jofra Archer removed the Aussie skipper Aaron Finch on duck, Chris Woakes got rid of the in-form David Warner for 9.

Replacing Usman Khawaja in the squad, Peter Handscomb also failed to impress in his maiden World Cup outing as Woakes knocked him over for 4. When the defending champions were reeling at 14/3, Steve Smith joined hands with wicketkeeper batsman Alex Carey to steady the sheep. The duo added 103 runs for the fourth wicket.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid broke the partnership by dismissing Carey for 46. In the same over, Rashid also sent all-rounder Marcus Stoinis packing to reduce Australia to 118/5. Although Glenn Maxwell hit a couple of boundaries and a six to turn the table with attacking approach, Archer cut short his stay at the crease on 22.

Amid the collapse, Smith held the one end with utmost determination. The veteran campaigner stitched a valuable 51-run stand with Mitchell Starc to take Australia past the 200-run mark. Thanks to a brilliant direct-hit from Jos Buttler, Smith had to go to back to the pavilion in the 48th over for 85 off 119 deliveries.

While Woakes dismissed the dangerous looking Starc for 29, Mark Wood cleaned up Jason Behrendorff as England eventually bundled out the arch-rivals for 223 in 49 overs.

Like always, the Twitterverse was buzzing during the high-voltage encounter with cricket experts sharing their thoughts.

Check out some of the reactions:

 

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 11 Jul, 2019

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