England vs Australia LIVE: ICC Cricket World Cup result and reaction as holders finally crash out

Questions have already been raised over what will happen after the World Cup - especially to captain Jos Buttler and head coach Matthew Mott. But Eoin Morgan took a step to dispel some of the rumours:

Eoin Morgan has distanced himself from the England white-ball coach’s job and says Matthew Mott should be given more time.

England are on the verge of crashing out of the World Cup after losing five of their six matches so far to sit bottom of the table.

After the defending champions’ latest defeat – against hosts India on Sunday – former one-day captain Morgan said the players were “definitely unsettled” and “there’s something else going on, there has to be”.

Here are some photos from the stadium in Ahmedabad:

In a slightly bizarre turn of events, England’s central contracts were announced during the World Cup.

Mark Wood has denied England were sidetracked by contract negotiations at the World Cup but admitted performances need to improve to live up to the new terms.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has revamped its central contract system in a bid to ward off the growing threat from T20 franchises, handing out long-term deals for the first time in addition to the usual annual extensions.

Wood was one of three players to sign a lucrative three-year term, having previously admitted that a huge offer to play in the United Arab Emirates was testing his resolve, with Joe Root and Harry Brook following suit.

Ben Stokes bluntly stated on the eve of England’s clash with Australia in the Cricket World Cup that the team have been “crap”, but there is still a slim chance to restore some pride against the team who have laughed loudest at their misfortune.

At the end of October, Pat Cummins could barely suppress his laughter when asked about England’s difficulties at the tournament, but old passions will be reunited when the sides meet in Ahmedabad.

England have won the toss and will bowl first against Australia.

Here’s a look at how some of the Australian cricketers reacted to the news that ‘Bazball’ will be added to the Collins English Dictionary:

England men’s Test cricket coach Brendon McCullum may not approve of the term ‘Bazball’ but the word is set to enter the Collins English Dictionary.

The phrase was coined to describe the swashbuckling brand of cricket England’s red-ball side adopted after McCullum – nicknamed ‘Baz’ – took over 18 months ago.

The New Zealander is known not to like the terminology, which he feels over-simplifies the philosophy and takes emphasis away from the players – but it has become common shorthand for the ultra-aggressive tactics employed since he and captain Ben Stokes took charge.

Ahead of the game against Australia, here’s a look back at the aftermath of the crushing 100-run defeat to India:

The fireworks exploded in Lucknow in celebration of India’s victory, and England’s hopes of restoring any pride disappeared as they faded into the night sky.

India had secured a resounding victory against the double world champions and are on course to lift the trophy themselves in just a few weeks, while England crashed to yet another catastrophic defeat, this time by 100 runs.

England had hit rock bottom, or maybe the shelf just a fraction above that with a match against Australia scheduled for the following weekend. Another humiliation against the old enemy would just rub salt into already gaping wounds.

Australia’s World Cup chances were dealt a blow with two key injuries:

Australia suffered another setback ahead of their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against England as all-rounder Mitchell Marsh flew back home for personal reasons.

Australia, eyeing a semi-final spot, will walk into the big game against England on 4 November without two all-rounders by their side.

Before Marsh, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was ruled out on Monday. He suffered a concussion following a freak injury after slipping and falling off the back of a golf cart.

However, Joe Root has remained optimistic ahead of the match against high-flying Australia:

Joe Root is feeling bullish ahead of England’s weekend clash with Australia, claiming he would “have this team every day” over their rivals despite wildly differing fortunes at the World Cup.

The Ashes adversaries meet on Saturday at Ahmedabad’s 130,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium, which will also host the tournament final on November 19.

Only one of the two teams has any prospect of making it that far, with England propping up the table in 10th place after one win in six while Australia appear set fair for the knockouts after four victories.

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live blog covering the Cricket World Cup match between England and Australia.

Talk has been swirling around since the Ashes finished, about the ‘moral Ashes’, the word ‘Bazball’ being added to the Collins English Dictionary, and endless discussions over Jonny Bairstow’s run out at Lord’s.

This time however the contest looks far less evenly matches. Australia have won four of their six matches, while England hold just one solitary victory over Bangladesh and are rooted to the foot of the table.

Can England restore some semblance of pride and maintain their hopes of qualifying for the ICC 2025 Champions Trophy?