Michael Vaughan is trolled by Wasim Jaffer after India defeats the defending champions

It seems like England will not be able to defend the World Cup championship in the near future. Following their fourth consecutive loss in the current ICC ODI World Cup, a 100-run setback to India in Lucknow has the defending champions worried about an early departure. Jos Buttler and company will want to finish in the top seven on the points table in the last three league games to guarantee their spot in the Pakistan-hosted ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The top seven teams from the current ODI World Cup’s league stage will advance to the multi-nation competition in 2025, according to the ICC. With 2 points, England is languishing in 10th place in the standings, while the Netherlands (4 points) and Bangladesh (2 points) are in eighth and ninth place, respectively.

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer made a funny jab at former England captain Michael Vaughan after England’s loss on Sunday night. He said that the Three Lions may “still qualify” for the 2025 Champions Trophy if they place in the top 7 on the points chart.

“Smile, @MichaelVaughan.” England can still qualify, in my opinion. For the 2025 Champions Trophy by placing among the top seven,” Jaffer said on the microblogging platform X.

The former English cricket player, however, doesn’t think so. Vaughan responded to Jaffer’s tweet by writing,

“Wasim, that seems like a long way off right now.”

Prior to responding to Jaffer, Vaughan said in a different post that England needs a 50-over reset after an unsuccessful World Cup campaign in India. The former captain of England also praised the “high class” bowling performance of Team India, who dismissed the reigning champions for 129 runs despite needing to defend 229 runs.

“India is too good again. Bowling is done in a classy manner. Let’s not forget how fantastic this squad has been and how much pleasure they given many for seven years. England is just lacking confidence and it’s obvious they now need a 50 over reset,” Vaughan stated.

With 12 points, India, the only team remaining undefeated in the competition, took back the top position in the World Cup and guaranteed a place in the semi-finals. With other teams vying for a top-four finish, their ultimate standing on the table is still up in the air.