It was the toughest quarter-final. Sri Lanka at home. But England only have themselves to blame for the position they found themselves in today. Had they managed (as expected) to beat both Ireland and Bangladesh they would have finished top of their group and in line for a quarter-final against New Zealand. Not that they would have been guaranteed to win that match (New Zealand after all managed to see off the mighty South Africa), but it certainly would have been less daunting.
All in all, like all previous World Cups, this tournament has been a massive disappointment for both the England team and their supporters. Players have been injured (Kevin Pietersen, Ajmal Shazad and Stuart Broad), while the managements plans - well, what plans? - have been jumbled and, frankly, desperate. In their defence, however, it is unfortunate that Michael Yardy had to return home early (an admission of depression being both incredibly brave and a stark indication that the international schedule is just too hectic) and (with reference again to the latter) that the World Cup always occurs straight after an Ashes tour down under. Inevitably then, players are both fatigued and below their best. This aside, though, England have underperformed. Fortunate to get through the group stages, today their luck run out. Up against an exciting and ambitious team, England were found wanting; being humiliated by a ten-wicket defeat.
Looking forwards, England will return home within the next couple of days for the rest and relaxation many have publicly been crying out for. While being on tour since the end of October must be tiresome, how many will soon be returning to India for the IPL? A tournament which takes place during what is technically a ‘rest period’ and is motivated solely by money. As for the remainder of the World Cup, lets hope the semi-finals provide some excellent, entertaining cricket. After all the most eccentric and inconsistence team have finally been knocked out.
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