Eoin Morgan bemoans lack of 'home advantage' as England crash out of Champions Trophy to Pakistan

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Tom Collomosse14 June 2017

Eoin Morgan was left to rue the lack of home advantage given to England as his team suffered another near-miss in a major global tournament.

England were firm favourites for today’s/Wednesday’s Champions Trophy semi-final against Pakistan but were soundly beaten by eight wickets, as Pakistan cruised home with 77 balls to spare.

Morgan was part of the England side who lost the final of this tournament to India four years ago, when they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. It was a similar tale when West Indies beat them in the World Twenty20 decider last year.

Pakistan made far better use of the used wicket in Cardiff, offering little pace or bounce. If the conditions were not typically ‘English’, it is because the ICC – rather than the host nation – has control of pitch preparation.

Morgan said: “I don’t think there was any home advantage. Coming from Edgbaston (where England beat Australia last Saturday) it was a big jump in pace and bounce and it was too much of an ask for us to adjust.

“We left ourselves short adapting to conditions. It is a big frustration because we have played some good cricket in this tournament, and we weren’t anywhere close to it here. Pakistan played brilliantly.

“The used wicket brought Pakistan’s gameplan closer to what they are used to it. It was a big challenge and one that was too far for us. It depends what the ICC want to get out of the tournament.

Getty Images

“If they want it to be completely neutral ground and have no home advantage, bringing in all the teams in the tournament, I would keep it the same way. In World Cups, you have fresh wickets, and these can vary from ground to ground.”

Pakistan will face the winner of tomorrow’s/Thursday’s semi-final between India and Bangladesh, meaning we are guaranteed an all-Asian final. Captain Sarfraz Ahmed was optimistic his star bowler Mohammad Amir, who missed the game with a back spasm, would be fit to play at The Kia Oval on Sunday.

Captain Sarfraz Ahmed said: “The pitch was very good for both teams, but we played well. That is why we won. Hopefully Amir will recover for the final.”

Michael Steele/Getty Images

England host the World Cup in two years’ time – another opportunity to break their duck in global 50-over tournaments.

Morgan added: “We have to evolve with the game over the next two years in the lead-up to the World Cup, but I certainly think we are moving in the right direction.”

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