1979
Cricket World Cup⁠

How England performed

England went one better than in 1975 when the second World Cup was again staged on home soil, reaching the final under captain Mike Brearley. They opened Group A by beating Australia by 6 wickets at Lord's, restricting them to 159/9 and reaching the target in 47.1 overs. Canada were then dismissed for 45 at Old Trafford and England won by 8 wickets in under 14 overs. The tightest group match came at Headingley, where England defended 165/9 to beat Pakistan by 14 runs and complete a perfect group stage.

The semi-final against New Zealand at Old Trafford was similarly close: England posted 221/8 and held New Zealand to 212/9 to win by 9 runs. In the final at Lord's, West Indies made 286/9 from their 60 overs and bowled England out for 194 in 51 overs, winning by 92 runs. England finished as runners-up with four wins from five matches, their only defeat coming in the final itself.

Head coach

None (the first was appointed in 1986)

Captain

Mike Brearley

Record

P5 W4 D0 L1