Our event of the day is the huge clash at the 2019 Cricket World Cup as England meet reigning champions Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground. These famous old adversaries have shared countless classic encounters across the years and today’s meeting could prove one of the most crucial in recent memory. With the Aussies sitting second in the standings and England just two spots behind in fourth, today’s game could go some way to securing a Semi-final spot for one of these two famous cricketing nations. A win for Australia would see them move top ahead of New Zealand, albeit potentially for just 24 hours before New Zealand play tomorrow, which would leave them in prime position to secure a top four spot. Meanwhile, after their surprise loss to Sri Lanka last time out, there is added pressure on the hosts to defeat Australia today which would see them end the day level on points. Though England still remain in the top four as it stands, a loss today would open the door for the chasing pack to close the gap on the three-time runners up. The opponents don’t come much tougher than Australia, who have lost just one game all tournament, and the task has been made all that much harder in light of yesterday’s announcement that opening batsman Jason Roy has lost his race against time to be fit for today’s game. This therefore places more of the responsibility on England’s leading scorer, Joe Root, who must navigate his way through Australia’s vicious bowling brigade as the 28-year-old goes in search of his third century of the campaign.
Though the focus will be on how England perform at the crease without Jason Roy, today’s clash also pits two of the joint leading wicket takers of the competition thus far together in Jofra Archer and Mitchell Starc. Both men have notched 15 wickets already, and Archer in particular will be desperate to submit a standout performance as he looks to ease the pressure on his team’s batting order. His Australian counterpart Mitchell Starc will also hope to play a key part in today’s greatly anticipated showdown. The fast-paced bowler has been one of the shining lights of the competition with the ball in hand thus far, matching Archer with his 15-wicket haul. However, Starc has been culpable of leaking too many runs at times, having conceded 304 already from 336 balls. Though he will be eager to make a statement against Australia’s fiercest rivals, the 29-year-old must look to tighten up today at Lord’s otherwise he will risk being overrun by England’s world class batting order. Though the crowd will predominantly be made up of English supporters, Australia won’t be intimidated by the arena or atmosphere, having beaten England in five of their last six meetings at Lord’s. They will hope to improve upon that outstanding record today to all but secure their place in the Semi-finals. it is all set for a thrilling day of sport at the home of cricket.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the FIFA Women’s World Cup where Italy will take on China in the Round of 16 at the Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier. In every World Cup they have participated in, China have reached at least the Quarter-final stage, but they will have to improve upon their meagre start to the campaign if they are to maintain that record this time round. Elsewhere, there are two fixtures to watch out for in the WNBA today as the Indiana Fever take on the Minnesota Lynx whilst the Las Vegas Aces entertain the in-form Seattle Storm at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Meanwhile, there are six medal events taking place in the European Games 2019 including Judo and Table Tennis, taking place at the Minsk Chizhovka Arena and the Minsk Tennis Olympic Centre, respectively. The long road to Istanbul begins for four teams today as the UEFA Champions League Preliminary Rounds get underway with Feronikeli facing Lincoln Red Imps whilst Tre Penne host FC Santa Coloma. Finally, there is a heavyweight clash in the MLB to keep an eye on as the Minnesota Twins welcome the Tampa Bay Rays to Target Field.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by ICC Cricket
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