Mitchell Starc's savage seven-word sledge for England after World Cup victory
The Aussie quick took a parting swipe at England after knocking them out of the World Cup.
Mitchell Starc has taken a cheeky swipe at England following Australia's 33-run win in the World Cup, suggesting the Poms will still "probably claim a moral victory". Speaking to Star Sport after Australia extended its winning streak to five, the Aussie quick said it was good to "keep the momentum going" before turning his attention to taking a passing shot at the Poms.
“Not the best start but we have progressed nicely,” Starc said according to The Indian Express. “We are going along nicely. They (England) would probably claim a moral victory.”
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Starc's dig references Harry Brook's Ashes remarks. He said England could “make it a moral victory” with a win in the fifth and final Test of the Ashes earlier this year. "We were dominating the game last week weren't we? So if the game had played out, I would like to think we would have won that," England batter Harry Brook said ahead of the fifth test.
Mitchell Starc said, "we expected England to come out a bit more aggressive, but they can take the moral victory from this". pic.twitter.com/ET7hLijcfn
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 4, 2023
"So if we can win this week, it almost can make it a moral victory. It's a shame the weather ruined it for us because we'd have felt very confident going into this game at 2-2." Brook also said he "absolutely" wanted to ensure Cummins felt it was a hollow victory when Australia lifted the urn.
The series ended 2-2 with Australia retaining the Ashes. After Australia's win over England in the World Cup Starc said he was surprised England were not more aggressive. “They are the defending champions, we thought they will come aggressively at us,” Starc said.
England claimed a few early wickets, dismissing Travis Head and David Warner before Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship. While it was Adam Zampa who did the damage with the ball, ending with figures of 3-21 and taking a superb catch to dismiss David Willey.
Australia learn likely opponents in World Cup semi-finals
With games against Afghanistan and Bangladesh left, the Aussies are in the box seat to secure a spot in the semi-finals. After India's thumping win over South Africa on Sunday, Australia will likely meet South Africa in the semi.
Virat Kohli celebrated his 35th birthday by equalling Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record with his 49th career ODI century. Kohli made 101 not out off 121 balls to help India smash South Africa by 243 runs.
Kohli's ton moved him level with fellow Indian batting great Tendulkar, as he powered his side to 5-326 at Eden Gardens. South Africa then crashed to 83 all out in just 27.1 overs - their second-lowest total in ODI history.
"I am grateful to God for giving me the chance to play and contribute to the team's success," Kohli said. "It's great to get a hundred on my birthday in front of this big crowd at this great venue."
India are undefeated with eight wins from eight matches (16 points), while South Africa are second with 12 points. The Aussies sit third on 10 points, while New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan are all on eight points and battling for a spot in the semis.
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