T20 World Cup 2026: England's star batter Jacob Bethell has reacted to Australia's early group stage exit from the ongoing mega event. As per Bethell, who was in sublime form during the 2025-26 Ashes Test series and in the ongoing tournament as well, has revealed that it was good to see them getting knocked out after the group stage.
During an interaction on Test Match Special, after being asked about his reaction, Bethell said, "It was good to see. They just didn’t seem like they got fired in the tournament. And in those group stage matches, if you don’t hit the ground running, you’re in danger of that happening. So yeah, it was a shame for them."
Jacob Bethell couldn't help a wry smile when asked about Australia exiting the T20 World Cup at the group stage. pic.twitter.com/a4gAPp3YQc
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) February 20, 2026
The former champions were eliminated from the race to the Super 8s last week despite defeating Ireland by 67 runs, as they had earlier lost to teams like Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka during the group stages.
Post losing two consecutive matches, Australia's future was dependent on the match result of Zimbabwe vs Ireland, but that match got abandoned owing to incessant rain, and that's when the Mitchell Marsh-led side was eliminated.
England’s performance in the T20 World Cup 2026
England ended their group stage by finishing in second position in the points table as they had won three of their four matches. The Harry Brook-led side had defeated Nepal by four runs during their tournament opener in Mumbai. They then lost to the West Indies but had defeated teams like Scotland and Italy during their last two group stage matches to qualify for the Super 8s.
They will lock horns with Sri Lanka during their first Super 8s clash in Kandy on Sunday and will then face Pakistan next week. They will lock horns with New Zealand during their last Super 8s clash in Colombo.