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It's a new dawn, a new day, a new life—it's a New England

The English school Aussies


July 13, 2019 00:00:00


For many years, watching them in World Cups has been an experience typified by pain and disappointment.

In the Oval in 1999, when England made just 103 in pursuit of South Africa's 225. Or Bridgetown in 2007, when England's paltry 154 was overhauled for the loss of just one wicket. Or Wellington in 2015, when New Zealand galloped to victory in just 74 balls before the floodlights required turning on.

Before this semifinal, England hadn't won a World Cup knock-out match for 27 years. And they hadn't won one at home in 40 years. It felt, until this year, as if they had lost almost every big game or crucial passage of play in the tournament this century, according to reports.

But this England side is different. This England side - New England, as they should probably be known - would appear to relish those key moments and crucial passages of play.

Instead of shrinking on the biggest stage like so many of their predecessors, this team has the skill and the confidence to seize the day.

England surged into their first World Cup final for 27 years with a sensational eight-wicket demolition of Australia.

The hosts will have the chance to lift the trophy for the first time when they meet New Zealand at Lord's on Sunday.

A first win in a World Cup knockout match since 1992 was secured over the defending champions on a day that will live long in the memory, justifiably alongside anything from the 2005 Ashes or the 2010-11 tour of Australia.

It was built on a riotous opening seven overs, when Australia were reduced to 14-3 by the new-ball brilliance of Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer.


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