The Three Lions demonstrated yet another humiliating performance and were beaten by Bangladesh by 15 runs in Adelaide. They are now knocked out of the World Cup in group stages, which is the third time in five World Cups, whilst Bangladesh have qualified for the last eight, for only the second time in their history.  

Bangladesh posted their run total of 275-7 earlier, which was an achievable target for England to win. The Tigers offered brilliant batting performance by Mohammad Mahmudullah, who scored Bangladesh’s first century in a World Cup, and with his partner, captain Mushfiqur Rahim, shared a 141-run.

 Their bowler Rubel Hossain also demonstrated his outstanding figures of 4-53, as he tore into England’s starting batsmen.

England seemed in control in early doors, when Ian Bell and the recalled Alex Hales had a second-wicket partnership of 54 before the Bangladesh pace bowlers really destroyed the opening line-up. Eoin Morgan, who struggled throughout the tournament to come to terms with the pressures of being England captain, then walked uncomfortably to the dressing room, after falling for a duck - his fifth in the last nine.  In the end, the Lions only required 38 from the last 28 balls, which they did not manage and were bowled out for 260.  

 The latest England’s defeat continues their failure in the last six World Cups, as they have endured a torrid year-and-a-half in all of the formats of the game.

However, this was England’s worst performance in a World Cup since their group exit in 1999, as their only win came against Scotland. The Lions demonstrated that they were unable to complete with the cricketing super-powers of Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia.

Bangladesh have beaten England in three of their last four meetings, but only lie above Ireland, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in the world rankings.

Peter Moores, the England coach, will surely be asked to review some decisions that were made, such as big calls to drop Alastair Cook as captain and the inclusion of Gary Balance at number three, which was made in the 23rd hour. Moores had six months of ODI’s to prepare for the World Cup and chose his best team!

Bangladesh’s victory also meant that Sri Lanka qualified for the quarter-finals, alongside Pool A winners New Zealand and Australia.  As for England, they face Afghanistan in an irrelevant match on 20th March at the Sydney Cricket Ground, after which they will head back home.