Cricket World Cup matchday 27: Australia book semi-final slot after condemning England to third defeat

The visitors ran out 64-run winners at Lord’s.

England’s faltering World Cup campaign veered further off track as old rivals Australia booked their place in the semi-finals with a 64-run victory at Lord’s.

After misadventures against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, England ran aground when chasing for the third time in the tournament, dismissed for an error-strewn 221.

With India and New Zealand still to play, there is now minimal leeway if the world’s number-one side are to reach the semi-finals of their own competition.

Australia captain Aaron Finch paved the way for his side’s win, weathering a tricky start after being sent in and making exactly 100, while left-armer Jason Behrendorff took a maiden five-wicket haul.

Tweet of the day

Mitchell Starc’s wife, the Australia Women’s wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy, reveals a home supporter got the paceman’s competitive juices flowing on the morning of the match.

Snap shot

Victory over England had Australia's Steve Smith jumping for joy at Lord's. — Victory over England had Australia’s Steve Smith jumping for joy at Lord’s (Tim Goode/PA)

England football manager Gareth Southgate (top left) was in attendance at Lord's. — England football manager Gareth Southgate (top left) was in attendance at Lord’s (Adam Davy/PA)

Tournament tracker

The England captain was taking the optimistic view ahead of England’s last two group games.

Stat attack

Top shot

Aaron Finch hit Moeen Ali for the first six of the day. — Aaron Finch hit Moeen Ali for the first six of the day (Adam Davy/PA)

Bowled over

Selected ahead of Nathan Coulter-Nile, the Western Australia paceman announced himself in style when offered the chance to open the bowling on his first appearance at Lord’s. After one range-finder he conjured a wonderful inswinging yorker that would have cleaned up the very best. As a calling card in his first competitive outing against England, this one will take some beating.

Boo boys out in force

Former Australia captain Smith was heckled as he left the pitch. — Former Australia captain Smith was heckled as he left the pitch (Tim Goode/PA)

Up next

Tomorrow: New Zealand v Pakistan, 10:30 (Edgbaston)