‘England Can Still Qualify...’: Wasim Jaffer Trolls Michael Vaughan After India Thump Defending Champions

For England, defending the World Cup trophy seems to be far from reality now. The threat of an early exit looms large over the reigning champions after a 100-run loss to India in Lucknow which was their fourth straight defeat in the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup. With three league games remaining, Jos Buttler & Co. will look to push themselves to finish among the top 7 on the points table to confirm their participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan.

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As stated by the ICC, the top seven teams at the end of the league stage of the ongoing ODI World Cup will qualify for the multi-nation event in 2025. England are tottering at the 10^th spot on the tally with 2 points while the likes of Netherlands (4 points) and Bangladesh (2 points) stand 8^th and 9^th respectively.

Following England’s defeat on Sunday night, former India opener Wasim Jaffer took a hilarious jibe at ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan, stating that the Three Lions can ‘still qualify’ but for the 2025 Champions Trophy by finishing among top 7 on the points table.

“Cheer up @MichaelVaughan I think England can still qualify… For Champions Trophy 2025 by finishing in top 7,” Jaffer posted on microblogging site X.

But the former English cricketer doesn’t believe that. Replying to Jaffer’s tweet, Vaughan wrote,

“That looks a long way off at this stage Wasim…”

Before replying to Jaffer, Vaughan, in another post, mentioned that England needs a 50-over reset following a disastrous World Cup campaign in India. The former England skipper also heaped praise on Team India’s ‘high class’ bowling attack which bundled out the defending champions for 129 while defending 229.

“India too good once again .. The bowling is high class .. England are just out of confidence and it’s clear they now need a 50 over reset .. but let’s not forget how good this group have been & how much joy they brought many for 7 yrs,” Vaughan wrote.

India, the only unbeaten side in the tournament, reclaimed the top spot in the ongoing World Cup with 12 points and have ensured a spot in the semi-finals. However, they final position on the table is yet to be confirmed with other teams fighting for a top-four finish.