England smashes Australia, headed towards the World Cup final

JASON ROY advanced down the pitch and thrashed Nathan Lyon’s first ball over long-on for six.

Shortly afterwards, Roy hoisted Steve Smith for three sixes in three balls – including one mighty blow onto the fourth tier of the South Stand.

Roy’s monster hitting encapsulated England’s dominance and near-disdain for their opponents.

Australia were not just beaten – they were hammered and humiliated by eight wickets with 17.5 overs to spare.

England’s four-year 50-over master plan, devised in the wake of their embarrassment at the 2015 World Cup, is just one win away from the ultimate glory.

 “Cricket’s coming home,” sang the crowd and chants of “Warner, Warner, what’s the score?” echoed round the ground. There was jubilation and intoxication and derision of the Australians.

Lyon was brought on for the 11th over, a spinner with 343 Test wickets on a pitch that earlier offered plenty of turn to Adil Rashid.