England have managed to bowl out Australia for 223 in 49 overs in the second semi-finals at Birmingham. Pacer Jofra Archer was the pick of the bowlers, bagging two wickets and conceding just 32 runs in his 10 overs. Archer hit Alex Carey on the chin after knocking off his helmet. The Australian was bleeding before he was provided medical assistance.
Carey was the second highest scorer with 46 after Steve Smith’s 85. The Aussies were 14/3 at one stage before the duo forged a promising stand to bail them out of trouble. The other notable contributions came from all-rounder Glenn Maxwell (22) and Mitchell Starc (29). Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid shared 6-wickets between them. The spinner proved to be a little expensive as he went for 54 runs in his 10 overs. Woakes, on the hand, leaked just 20 runs off his 8 overs.
England’s make or break scenario
During the innings break, Archer said that the hosts have been playing every game like a knock-out game since losing to the Kiwis. England finished third at the points table- below India and Australia. “To be honest every game we have played from the New Zealand game has been like a semifinal. We just got to keep winning.” the pacer said.
Archer praises Smith’ s effort with the bat
Archer complimented Smith’s effort with the bat and added that Maxwell’s wicket was special. The paceman rolled his fingers off the ball and Maxwell failed to read the delivery. “Maxwell (was my favorite) wicket. He got me at Lord’s, so good to get him back. He (Smith) batted really well, especially on this pitch. It nipped a lot more than it swung so probably after the first over we went cross-seam and quarter-seam to get more out of the pitch. Hopefully not (needed with the bat).” Archer said. His team need to score 224 in order to face New Zealand in the finals at Lord’s.