26 h. ago Washout leaves Australia set for last four but potentially short of game time | Geoff Lemon

They should beat Afghanistan to progress, but the batters would have benefited from a hit-out against South AfricaIf you were an Australian supporter of a certain pragmatic bent, you might be quite pleased with a washout against South Africa at the Champions Trophy. With a win already banked, you slide past your most dangerous opponent in Group B without having conceded any advantage to them. It leaves you level with them on three points and guaranteed a semi-final as long as you can beat an Afghanistan team that, despite their recent advancements and the memorably close result last time you played, you should still beat anytime, anywhere across a format as extended as 50 overs.If you’re an Australian supporter of the sort of bullishness natural to Australian supporters, including any past or current Australian player, you would say that you always want to play the best teams because you’ll beat them while having a grand old time in the process, and that sliding past your most dange...

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28 h. ago Jos Buttler admits stakes high for England and his captaincy against Afghanistan

Captain hopes to banish negative thoughts from sideEngland look to get back on track after opening defeatJos Buttler goes into Wednesday’s crunch encounter with Afghanistan in Lahore knowing a win is not simply a non-negotiable as regards England’s Champions Trophy prospects but potentially his future as their white-ball captain.The washout between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi on Tuesday has at least clarified England’s situation. Barring further rain affecting Group B, two wins would rule out any net run-rate calculations and guarantee a semi-final berth. By the same token, it also means they are just one defeat from flying home at the earliest opportunity. Continue reading...

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31 h. ago Champions Trophy clash between South Africa and Australia washed out in boost for England’s hopes

England’s fate is now in their own hands as they prepare to face Afghanistan in their second group fixture

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32 h. ago Australia v South Africa: Champions Trophy cricket match washed out – live

Updates from the match at Rawalpindi Cricket StadiumPlay was due to start at 2pm local/8pm AEDT/9am GMT“Just a heads up Rob...” begins Alistair Connor. “Check out weather.com , the rain’s only getting worse in Rawalpindi. Can’t see any sort of match happening. Or are you contractually or diplomatically obliged to avoid mentioning that?”It’s more that I’m one of nature’s optimists you can’t always trust the weather apps. Continue reading...

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35 h. ago Australia v South Africa: start delayed in Champions Trophy cricket – live

Updates from the match at Rawalpindi Cricket StadiumPlay was due to start at 2pm local/8pm AEDT/9am GMTStill raining in Rawalpindi. It’s very light, frustratingly so, but the outfield is in good condition so the turnaround should be very quick if/when the rain stops.Here’s something to read while we wait. The bogeyman is back. Continue reading...

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37 h. ago Joe Root backs ‘brilliant leader’ Jos Buttler as England face crucial Champions Trophy clash

Buttler’s England have lost 17 of their last 24 ODIs heading into Wednesday’s must-win encounter with Afghanistan

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50 h. ago Joe Root convinced England on right track under ‘brilliant leader’ Jos Buttler

England have lost 17 of their last 24 ODIs heading into Wednesday’s must-win Champions Trophy clash with Afghanistan.

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