Joe Root struck a defiant toneahead of England's World Cup clash with Australia saying his team is better "man for man" than their old rivals despite being bottom of the pile, reports BSS.

The defending champions have just one win from six matches and a loss to Australia in Ahmedabad on Saturday will confirm that their meek title defence is over.

"We might not have played as well as we can do but we know when we play our best stuff, the best teams struggle to compete with us."

He added: "We've just got to look at Saturday as our World Cup final and play in the manner that's expected of us and we expect of ourselves."

Australia captain Pat Cummins on Friday made light of Root's comments, saying: "Of course he'd say that, (I) would say the same about our team. I wouldn't read too much into it."

Australia are third in the table and on course for the semi-finals.

In contrast, England have suffered four straight losses including going down

to Afghanistan and most recently hosts India in a hugely disappointing tournament for the 2019 champions.

They are last in the 10-team table with even the Netherlands above them, and in danger of missing the 2025 Champions Trophy qualification.

England must finish in the top seven to qualify for the 50-over tournament in Pakistan.

Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan