Bristling Morgan says Cup hopes 'still strong'

Captain Eoin Morgan denies England’s World Cup hopes are in jeopardy after they lost to Australia by 64 runs at Lord's, saying their chances of reaching the semi-finals are "still strong".

The pre-tournament favourites were comfortably beaten by the defending champions to sink to a second successive defeat after going down in a shock loss to Sri Lanka last Friday.

It was the team's third loss in seven games after they were defeated by Pakistan at Trent Bridge earlier this month and it means they now must beat third-placed India or second-placed New Zealand to secure a spot in the last four of a tournament many expected them to win.

While insisting their Cup campaign remains on track, Morgan did admit his side's confidence has taken a knock after their much-vaunted batting line-up was destroyed by left-arm tearaways Jason Behrendorff and Mitchell Starc, who took nine wickets between them on Tuesday.

"I think it (confidence) will take a little bit of a hit," Morgan said.

"But I certainly don't think it's knocked anybody in the changing room. Normally when we lose games of cricket, like I mentioned yesterday, we go back to what we do well. We'll still strive to do that for Sunday's game.

"The chances are in our hands. Everything is within our control. We just need to produce a performance worthy of winning either one or the next two games."

During an at times testy press conference, Morgan bristled at a question suggesting England have a mental block about facing Australia in World Cups haven’t not beaten them at the tournament for 27 years.

"I've only played against them in two World Cups … I'm 32 years old," Morgan replied when asked about England’s Cup record against their Ashes rivals. "Thanks, mate. Nice."

Morgan also dismissed claims from Behrendorff that his bowlers had bowled too short early in Australia’s innings, with Aaron Finch and David Warner taking advantage by putting on 123 for the first wicket.

"Of course he did, of course he did," Morgan said when told of Behrendorff's comment, who had been asked if England’s opening spell had instructed the way the Australians bowled with the new ball.

"Early on, I don't think we did (bowl short). I've just been shown a highlight reel of short deliveries in which poor shots were played. They were supposed to be short, they were aimed at guy's shoulder or armpit. I thought we didn't have the rub of green early. We made Australia play and miss a lot.

“But that's his opinion and he's entitled to it."

Tuesday's loss was all the more jarring for Morgan's team, who had won nine of the previous 10 meetings between Australia and England.

England now face India in a crunch clash at Edgbaston on Sunday before they take on the Black Caps in Durham on July 3.

2019 World Cup

Australia's squad: Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

June 1: Australia beat Afghanistan by seven wickets

June 6: Australia beat West Indies by 15 runs

June 9: Australia lost to India by 36 runs

June 12: Australia beat Pakistan by 41 runs

June 15: Australia beat Sri Lanka by 87 runs

June 20: Australia beat Bangladesh by 48 runs

June 25: Australia beat England by 64 runs

June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's (D/N)

July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford (D/N)

July 9: Semi-Final 1, Old Trafford

July 11: Semi-Final 2, Edgbaston

July 14: Final, Lord's

Sync Australia's World Cup schedule to your calendar HERE

For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE