THE 2019 World Cup Final, the match that will forever define cricketing relations between England and New Zealand, came at the end of a six-week slog.
Before the game that lasted a lifetime came a round-robin group stage that seemed to stretch on for eternity, a 45-match traipse around the country that began in the last throes of spring and, despite inclement weather and several upsets, gave the cream ample space to rise by the time the tournament's two best sides met at Lord's on July 14.
The path to tomorrow's clash at The Gabba has been far shorter - much shorter, in fact, than England would have liked after a fair chunk of theirs was waterlogged by La Nina - but the equation is just as simple: for Jos Buttler's side, it is win or bust.
That the weather has played such a significant part is not ideal but this World Cup's ruthless format has delivered the jeopardy that is a vital characteristic of tournament sport compared to (franchise) leagues, giving consequence to upsets that last beyond the odd bloodied nose.
この記事は Evening Standard の October 31, 2022 版に掲載されています。
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この記事は Evening Standard の October 31, 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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