ICC World Cup 2019 | It's England's World Cup to lose, says Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon claims that the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019 is England's to lose as the two teams gear up to go head-to-head against each other in the semis. Aaron Finch-led Australia will face Eoin Morgan & Co. in the second semi-final of the quadrennial showpiece at Edgbaston on Thursday.
Australia suffered a disappointing 10-run loss at the hands of South Africa in their final group stage outing in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. However, the defending champions had already secured a spot in the semi-final and will play against World Cup hosts England in the second semi-final on Thursday. Australia spinner Nathan Lyon, who played 28 ODIs, reckons that all the pressure will be on the home team as they are the favorites to lift the trophy in the coming weeks.Â
“They’re full of world-class players and they’ve been the number one team for a couple of years now. They should be going into this World Cup as favourites, it’s all on them. It’s their World Cup to lose if you ask me. We’ve got nothing to lose, we’ve only got stuff to gain. That’s the exciting thing about it,” Lyon was quoted as saying by AFP sources after Saturday’s match.
Earlier in the World Cup, Australia beat England by 64 runs at Lord’s earlier as left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc took four for 43. Starc added that the nature of that victory has given Australia some confidence for Thursday. However, England opener Jason Roy, who missed that match with a hamstring injury, is now fit and is most likely to play a part in the semis.Â
“The blueprint the last time we played England was to take early wickets. They’ll get Jason Roy back for the fixture, so we’re going to have a few days now to discuss if we need to change anything but I think the way we played England last time was a great blueprint moving forward,” Starc added.
