Worst batting among semi-final sides? No chance, England are knockout
I saw a poll that rated England’s batting line-up as the worst among teams that reached the World Twenty20 semi-finals. I just don’t see it – they have one of the best batting units in the world in the shortest format of the game.
England chased down 154 with minimal fuss to beat New Zealand and they can go into Sunday’s final with a perfect momentum and a confidence which stems from everyone playing well and each player knowing their role in the team.
The batting is a real strength of the side and opener Jason Roy, who scored a blistering 78 from 44 balls, alone has the potential to become one of the world’s best.
When I joined Surrey, Roy was a hot-headed teenager; a very talented guy but someone who didn’t realise his own potential in many ways. He was very raw and you weren’t really sure how he was going to turn out.
He has always had confidence, a slight arrogance, about him but that’s ultimately why he has got to where he is today because he believes in himself. He has really kicked on over the last couple of years and he’s going from strength to strength.
It’s great to see him doing so well and playing in the ultra-positive manner which he did yesterday. He rides his luck at times but that’s when he’s at his best and the reason he strikes fear into bowlers.
In the build-up to the tournament I spoke consistently about England needing to nail their death bowling. It’s an art which they have struggled with massively in the past but it’s something which has now very much come to the fore.
Ben Stokes and Chris Jordan have really put their hands up. By all accounts they have been working extra hard in training to hone their skills and that has shone through. Their bowling against New Zealand was some of the best at the death that you will ever see.
Jordan has taken some stick for his bowling earlier in matches, and he has had some expensive spells, but you have to say he’s won England a few games with the performances he’s put in at the death.
So it now boils down to the final against either India or the West Indies, who play today in Mumbai. England look a very relaxed unit and they just need to keep doing what they’re doing and not get fazed by the occasion.
I said before the tournament began that England had the quality to win it and there’s no reason why they cannot beat either of those sides in the final.