Cricket Wolrd Cup Australia vs England

England’s Jason Roy reacts after his dismissal during the 2019 Cricket World Cup second semi-final between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham, central England, on July 11, 2019. (Photo by Dibyangshu Sarkar / AFP) /

England ease past Australia to set up a New Zealand final

Jason Roy put Australia to the sword, guiding England to a first Cricket World Cup final since 1992.

Cricket Wolrd Cup Australia vs England

England’s Jason Roy reacts after his dismissal during the 2019 Cricket World Cup second semi-final between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham, central England, on July 11, 2019. (Photo by Dibyangshu Sarkar / AFP) /

A rapid 85 from opening batsman Jason Roy saw England make light work of a below par target of 224 set by Australia in the second Cricket World Cup semifinal on Thursday to set up a final with New Zealand.

The two old foes met at Edgbaston, where Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to bat, announcing one change from their last outing – that of Peter Handscombe coming in for the injured Usman Khawaja – while the host nation remained unchanged.

Khawaja’s injury meant a promotion up the order for former skipper Steve Smith, who was penned in at three, and he didn’t have to wait too long in the pavilion as his successor was sent packing early, lasting one delivery – trapped in front by Jofra Archer for a golden duck.

Finch’s opening partner David Warner also did not last too long, with Chris Woakes and Johnny Bairstow combining to send him back to the but for nine, and soon Australia found themselves in trouble at 14-3 after Handscombe was clean bowled by Woakes for four.

Smith found a partner in wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who stuck around long enough for the pair to put together a much-needed 103-run stand before departing in the 28th over 46 – becoming Adil Rashid’s first victim.

The leg-spinner got another wicket in the same over, removing Marcus Stionis without adding to the total, as Smith made his way to 85 off 119 – aided by cameos from Glen Maxwell and Mitchell Starc – before he too parried.

This saw Australia crawl their way to 223-all-out at the break in what looked like a good batting track.

As has been the case throughout the world cup, Roy and Bairstow gave England a flying start in their chase, with the latter mostly serving as a spectator as they put on a 124-run opening partnership.

Bairstow was the first to depart for just 34, and his opening partner followed him soon after, but not before posting 85 off just 69 balls.

Captain Eoin Morgan and Test skipper Joe Root guided the host nation to the target, which they achieved inside 33 overs.

England now face New Zealand in the final at Lord’s on Sunday, in a match that will see one team claim their maiden World Cup crown.