World Cup: Hosts England High On Confidence To Meet Aussies Today

Captain Eoin Morgan believes his England side could not be better prepared for their World Cup semi-final against Australia at Edgbaston on Thursday, reported BBC Sport.

The hosts lost to Australia in the group stage, but reached their first semi since 1992 with wins against India and New Zealand.

“The last two games we managed to produce something near our best performances,” Morgan told BBC Sport. “That’s extremely encouraging.”

England began the World Cup as favourites and the number-one ranked team, but were on the verge of going out after being beaten by Australia at Lord’s. To make it to the last four, they had to defeat both India and New Zealand, the two sides that contested the other semi-final.

“”We’re delighted to be here,” added Morgan, whose side are bidding to face New Zealand in Sunday’s final at Lord’s.

On the other hand, Australia were top of the group for most of the round-robin phase and were set to play in the first semi-final at Old Trafford until they were beaten by South Africa on Saturday.

They now must play at an Edgbaston ground where England have won 10 consecutive matches across all formats and where Australia have not won a one-day international since their famous 1999 World Cup semi-final against South Africa—and even that was tied.

On the reception his side will receive, Australia captain Aaron Finch said: “It’s a great crowd to play in front of, regardless whether you are on the receiving end of some good banter.”