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UK media red-faced as brutal Aussie sledge backfires

The notoriously savage English media were left with egg on their collective faces after Australia’s comprehensive 64-run win at Lords.

In the lead-up to their World Cup clash at Lords, English newspapers were falling over themselves to sledge the Australian team about ‘Sandpaper-gate’.

The Daily Mirror warned ‘Things could get rough’ for David Warner and Steve Smith, alluding to their 12-month bans for ball tampering.

They weren’t alone - The Sun splashed a headline reading ‘Sand up and be counted’, while bookmaker Paddy Power made an even bigger move.

In ads printed in several English publications, the bookie pictured Warner and Smith next to a suspicious-looking umpire, accompanied by the headline ‘Caught red-sanded’.

The UK cricket media have been left red-faced after going after Australia in headlines prior to their World Cup loss at Lords. Picture: Fox Sports
The UK cricket media have been left red-faced after going after Australia in headlines prior to their World Cup loss at Lords. Picture: Fox Sports

Paddy Power also promised to donate 10,000 pounds to a ‘carpentry charity’ with the stated goal being ‘so younger generations can learn to use sandpaper properly’ should Warner or Smith be out, caught.

In fairness to the bookmaker, they did pay up - sending the cash for both players’ wickets to Workaid, which helps impoverished communities.

“Seeing Dave Warner and Steve Smith perform so well in this tournament left a sour taste in our mouths,” a Paddy Power spokesman said.

“As England are set to face Australia in their first competitive meet up since the cheating scandal, we felt it was time for a bit of justice.

“By donating this £20,000 to Workaid, we have allowed the pair to reposition themselves as role models, directly funding the correct use of sandpaper.

“Before they were using tools to rub balls, now they’re going to fund tools to build walls.”

Kevin Pietersen’s ‘scared’ barb for England captain

They say a week is a long time in footy - turns out the same could be said of the Cricket World Cup.

Little over a week ago, former England star Kevin Pietersen took to Twitter to call for the trophy to be handed to the Brits.

But as Australia took the English to batsmen to task in their 64-run loss, Pietersen quickly changed his tune, and he had captain Eoin Morgan in his sights.

Pietersen again took to social media as England tumbled to 3/26 early on, claiming Morgan ‘looked scared’ when he was facing Aussie quick Mitch Starc.

Pietersen later expended on his commentary on Morgan once Australia had completed their win over their arch rivals.