ENGLAND were subjected to a nerve-shredding wait to discover their T20 World Cup fate on Saturday, relying on a helping hand from Ashes rivals Australia to reach the next stage of the tournament.

Jos Buttler’s side did everything they could to book their spot in the Super 8s, defeating Namibia by 41 runs in a rain-shortened game in Antigua, but retired to their beachside resort for the night knowing their destiny was no longer in their own hands.

A shock Scotland victory in the Group B decider against Australia would have seen them edge their fellow Britons for second place and, for long periods, they threatened to become the first associate nation to defeat Australia since 1983.