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The ODI World Cup 2023 has been a mix of ups and downs, but one of the most shocking developments has been England’s dismal performance in the first half of the event. The defending champions find themselves at the ninth position in the points table, with just one win in five games. Their most recent loss to Sri Lanka in the 25th match of the tournament was not just disappointing, but it was a downright embarrassment.
The cricketing world and fans were quick to react to England’s humiliating defeat against the Islanders, and two notable figures who joined the chorus of critics were Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana and former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan.
England’s humiliating defeat
In the 25th match of the ODI World Cup 2023, England faced off against Sri Lanka. Expectations were high for the defending champions, but they fell well short of delivering a competitive performance. England’s batting lineup crumbled, and they were bundled out for a mere 156 runs, a total that was far from adequate in the context of a high-stakes match. In reply, the Sri Lankan side had no trouble chasing down the target and eventually emerged victorious in the contest by eight wickets.
Following the match, England’s performance was met with widespread criticism, and many renowned personalities didn’t hold back from taking brutal digs at the Englishmen.
Ayushmann Khurrana’s witty dig
Known for his quick wit, Bollywood star Ayushman Khurrana also took to social media to express his amusement and disappointment at England’s performance. On his official social media account,
Ayushmann cheekily wrote, “Yeh England ki batting ko kya ho gaya ben stokes? (What has happened to England’s batting ‘Ben Stokes?’) #ENGvSL #WorldCup2023,” using the name of English all-rounder Ben Stokes in a clever double entendre. His message was a playful yet pointed jab at England’s struggles, drawing attention to their faltering batting order
Yeh England ki batting ko kya ho gaya ben stokes?🙊 #ENGvsSL #WorldCup2023
— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) October 26, 2023
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Irfan Pathan’s brutal trolling
Former Indian cricketer Irfan shared his thoughts on England’s lacklustre as well and bluntly delivered a sharp critique on his social media account. The veteran pacer wrote, “Some people were more concerned about empty seats in the stadiums when it would have been wiser to focus on their cricket.”
Some people were more concerned about empty seats in the stadiums, when it would have been wiser to focus on their cricket.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 26, 2023
It is worth noting that Irfan’s statement was a clear reference to the controversy some veteran England cricketers and experts had sparked over the issue of empty seats in the initial phase of the World Cup 2023 in India as he reminded the Englishmen that performance on the field should be the primary concern for any cricket team.
England’s path forward
While England’s chances of reaching the semi-finals have been significantly dampened by their poor start in the World Cup, they are still mathematically in the equation for qualification. To keep their hopes alive, they must win all of their remaining four matches. Additionally, they will have to depend on the outcomes of a few other matches. It’s a tall order, but England will need to regroup and put their best foot forward in the upcoming matches.
