England’s Cricket World Cup campaign took a new low when they were crushed by Sri Lanka.With no chance of making it to the semi-finals, the faded force of four years ago will now have to lurch around India for the next sixteen days in order to complete their remaining four fixtures. Not even Danny Boyle could have directed a more graphic plotline for this grotesque charade of a title defence.
It’s not nearly mathematically impossible for them to make it to the final four. They are undead, if you please.
However, the hosts, who have won five out of five, will undoubtedly drive a symbolic stake through English hearts when they play India in Lucknow on Sunday to formally end their reign as global champions.
Sri Lanka gives England’s cricket their worst nightmare
Against Sri Lanka in a World Cup, England was bowled over for their lowest-ever score following a disastrous batting performance that violated all that this squad has stood for in the previous eight years.
Jos Buttler’s team crumbled from 45 without loss in the seventh over to 85 for five in the 17th. Showing signs of weakness, passivity, and desperation.
Joe Root’s horrifying run-out, Jonny Bairstow’s subdued hack that saw him pick out mid-on. And Buttler’s explosive drive outside off stump that saw him leave for only eight were among the dismissals.
Ben Stokes‘ lone hand of 43 in 73 balls proved to be the only serious resistance against an outstanding Sri Lankan side in the end. However, this time even Stokes was unable to perform a miracle.
In the sixth over of their chase, David Willey claimed two wickets to reduce Sri Lanka to 23 for two, giving England a brief fright. Samarawickrama and Nissanka’s uninterrupted 137-run partnership allowed the Sri Lankans to reach their target in just 25.4 overs.
However, this team won the T20 global Cup in Australia a year ago and is a double global champion. Is there another thing happening that’s not visible to us behind the scenes? Were the players distracted by the lengthy discussions over England contracts, which were just wrapped up this week? Is there another issue at hand?
We’ll likely find out in the upcoming weeks given the remaining time in this tournament. And the possibility that things could grow worse.
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