AHMEDABAD, India (AFP)— Australia’s Mitchell Starc struck two early blows to push England onto the backfoot while chasing a victory target of 287 in a key World Cup clash on Saturday.

Starc sent back Jonny Bairstow on the first ball of England’s chase and then Joe Root caught behind for 13 at the world’s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.

Root, who survived a dropped catch on seven, was initially ruled not out by the on-field umpire before Australia successfully reviewed the decision as technology suggested the ball had grazed the bat.

England were 45-2 in 12 overs with Dawid Malan and Ben Stokes batting.

Earlier Australia reached 286 all out with Marnus Labuschagne top-scoring with 71 after England elected to bowl first.

Fast bowler Chris Woakes stood out with figures of 4-54 to end the opposition innings in 49.3 overs.

England are all but out of the race for the semi-final with five losses in six matches and another defeat will officially end their campaign.

A win, however, will be a boost to England’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Champions Trophy with the top seven teams from this World Cup gaining entry into the tournament where hosts Pakistan will have automatic qualification.

It will also keep their mathematical equation of reaching the final-four alive.