Morgan stays positive

Eoin Morgan said England were still in charge of their World Cup destiny after the hosts slipped to a heavy defeat on Tuesday against defending champions Australia, who booked their place in the semifinals.

Aaron Finch’s team lost the toss but managed to score 285 for seven in their 50 overs, with man-of-the-match Finch top-scoring with 100.

England lost wickets at regular intervals in their reply and despite a battling 89 from Ben Stokes, were all out for 221 in the 45th over, losing by 64 runs.

“I thought for a lot of today we were outplayed,” said England captain Morgan. “I thought we bowled well up front and were a little unlucky.

“They played and missed a lot. The wicket got a little better but it was still challenging. Losing early wickets was not ideal and we were not able contribute to a substantial partnership to win the game which is why we were outplayed.

“The wicket was soft when we first started. Winning the toss and batting would have been a horrific decision.

“Given the circumstances it is not hugely disappointing. Our fate is in our own hands.”

“We’re not feeling the pressure of being favourites,” he added. “We are in charge of how we go from here on in. We win two games, we definitely go through. It’s a matter of producing that performance in one, if not both of those.”

Morgan said England’s confidence had taken a knock after their third defeat of the tournament following previous losses to Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

“Confidence isn’t where it was at the start of the tournament, simply because we started really, really well. It’s a matter of rebuilding it, going back to our strengths and hopefully sticking to it,” he told the BBC.

Finch was delighted after Australia became the first side to qualify for the semifinals.

“You don’t win the tournament if you don’t reach the semis,” said man-of-the-match Finch. “That’s the first bit ticked off.

“England are a stand-out side, they are a team that can take you apart at stages. We found ways to keep getting wickets.”