In a drama-laden conclusion to the World Cup’s group stage at Old Trafford this evening, Australia, the tournament pace-setters, sank to an unexpected 10-run defeat by South Africa to set up a blockbuster of a semi-final with England at Edgbaston on Thursday. Had they won, the defending champions would have finished top of the group and guaranteed themselves a match with the eminently beatable New Zealand at this same venue on Tuesday.
Australia’s lack of intensity in the first half of the game was baffling considering the prize at stake. Perhaps it was the result of a six-day break since their previous game, during which they had two days off, played golf and netted. But they were trying like mad by the end, desperation etched