Afghanistan in focus ahead of Old Trafford clash with England

Afghanistan may not yet have caused the upsets that many were expecting of them at the World Cup but they could provide stiff opposition for England on Tuesday.

The tournament qualifiers have lost all four of their opening games but a used pitch at Old Trafford could play into their hands in the right circumstances.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at England’s opponents.

Spin it to win it

Mohammad Nabi took four wickets against Sri Lanka but he, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have flattered to deceive so far (David Davies/PA)

Tournament so far

Here’s how the table looks after today. #CWC19 | #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/tS3c49AWYh

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 16, 2019

The group stage table makes for grim reading with a total of zero points earned. They were rarely able to stretch Australia and New Zealand in seven-wicket defeats but in-between those results, an inability to chase down 187 in 41 overs against Sri Lanka may have sent them into something of a tailspin. They were simply not at the races against previously winless South Africa, rolled out for 125, a total overhauled with nine wickets and more than 21 overs to spare.