Cricketing ‘powerhouses’ Japan and Malaysia have taken delight in England’s miserable group-stage elimination from the 2015 Cricket World Cup at the hands of Bangladesh, trolling the out of luck English via Twitter.
“Dear (England Cricket), this might not be a great time, but as there’s room in your schedule, fancy a game in Japan on the way home? #challenge,” tweeted the Japan Cricket Assoc. following Monday’s elimination with a game still to play in the pool round.
The comedy continued when Malaysia Cricket joined the roast with a, “When can we play (England Cricket)?” jab.
High-profile figures also chimed in with some emotional reactions after the 15-run loss.
Former England all-rounder Ian Botham tweeted, “Well done Bangladesh! England pathetic! When are we going to pick the selectors to pick a team for the one-day format? Time for change” while outspoken exiled batsman Kevin Pietersen also took aim.
“DO NOT SAY WE HAVENT PRIORITISED ODI CRICKET! We played a back-to-back Ashes to make sure England played 6 months of ODI’s before this WC!” he tweeted before adding, “I CANNOT BELIVE THIS! I JUST CANNOT! But, well done Bangladesh! You deserved it! #ENGvBAN.”
Pietersen also hit back at the cheeky tweet from Japan, requesting a one v 11 game instead.
“WTF……. I am lost for bloody words…..” summarised former England captain Michael Vaughan.
Dear @ECB_cricket, this might not be a great time, but as there’s room in your schedule, fancy a game in Japan on the way home? #challenge
— Japan Cricket Assoc. (@CricketJapan) March 9, 2015
When can we play @ECB_cricket?
— Malaysia Cricket (@MalaysiaCricket) March 9, 2015
Dear @CricketJapan – please can I play you by myself on my way over to Aus tomorrow?
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) March 9, 2015
Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images.
