The T20 World Cup semi-final between India and England will be played as the favorites by former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood.
Despite acknowledging that they possessed the ability to raise their level to a higher one during the knockout stages, the former England player has highlighted some factors that could make his former team win against India with Jasprit Bumrah’s excellent form as a major advantage for India. “In truth, I don’t think India can lose this time. For England to overcome them, something really special will be need. The Indian squad which is in good shape stands out for Jasprit Bumrah’s current form among others. He is fit, accurate, quick and enormously skillful.’ No team seems to have an answer to him,’ said Collingwood on Star Sports Press Room quoted PTI.
‘Having someone like Bumrah who can bowl 24 balls in a 120-ball game makes a massive difference” he added ‘India has remained confident even under tough situations and challenging wickets are America. Their batters like Rohit Sharma who played an amazing innings against Australia seem to be back in form
Therefore Guyana’s pitch which has always been a spinner’s paradise and also for bowlers is expect to play crucial role in the semis. A flat track could favour aggressive batting of English men whereas a slower surface might tip the balance towards India.
“We’ll have two teams going hammer-and-tongs at each other,” he said. “The surface in Guyana will be key.” If it was flat then England with their power game would have the upper hand but if it was slow and turning then it would favor India,’
This means that although they showed themselves as being conservative in their 2021 campaign. Collingwood speaks about how strategy employed by Indian cricket team has evolved over time.
“But things changed for India. They knew such tactics couldn’t bring them the World Cups. They needed to take chances, be courageous as well as free in expressing themselves. If this new approach fails, it will be criticize but for winning World Cups. You must remain ahead of the curve and adapt to what other teams are doing globally.” Collingwood added
England’s progress in reaching the semi-finals from a situation. Where they were almost exiting the tournament with essentially two critical victories has demonstrated that they have what it takes to raise their game when it matters most. Moreover, Collingwood went on to stress England’s adaptability and aggressive play particularly. While setting totals hence making the forthcoming match against India highly competitive.
