Cricket World Cup: England Ready to “Give USA a Good Battering” in Familiar Barbados
The next 48 hours present a logistical challenge for England, but their task against the USA on Sunday in Barbados is straightforward. The co-hosts and associates, who secured Pakistan’s spot in the Super Eights, are the opponents, and according to Harry Brook, England are aiming to “give them a good battering.”
Brook’s words may sound like trash talk before a Las Vegas fight, but his demeanor suggested he had just stepped out of a boxing ring. This came after a tense seven-run loss to South Africa in the sweltering heat of Saint Lucia on Friday, where Brook, still pumped from the near-miss in the run chase, delivered some classic Yorkshire plain-speak.
“We’ve got to win [against USA] and then see how we are on net run-rate,” said Brook, grateful to be out of the oppressive sun. “But the main thing is to definitely get that win.”
England are familiar with the conditions in Barbados, having played there extensively in the last six months. “We know the conditions, the wind and the pitch as well. Hopefully we can go out there and give them a good battering,” Brook added.
A battering may not be necessary for England to reach the semi-finals, as West Indies’ victory over the USA on Friday means their final match against South Africa in Antigua is effectively a straight shootout for a top-two spot. England can progress through net run-rate, provided they beat the USA by a comfortable margin.
The semi-final locations add another layer of complexity, with India’s position on the other side of the draw being the key to determining England’s next destination. If India finish top, the second-placed team in England’s group will join them; if they finish second, it will be against the highest-placed side.
The presence of the USA, who dared to dream, lit up the opening night, and produced some memorable moments, has justified the 20-team format, as the associates continue to close the gap. England, though a tricky side to pin down, remain well-placed, despite their two defeats against full-member opposition.
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