New Delhi: On the eve of a high-stress T20 World Cup semi-final against India, England captain Harry Brook has made one thing clear – his team thrives when the pressure is at its peak.Go beyond boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!England’s journey to the semi-finals was anything but smooth. They made it through the group stage with crushing victories over Nepal, Scotland and Italy, and suffered a heavy defeat to the West Indies. But in the Super Eights, Brook’s men flipped the switch, going unbeaten against Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand – the latter requiring a nerve-wracking 43 runs off their last 18 balls.
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“We’ve been able to excel in close games and that’s a sign of a good team,” Brook told Sky Sports Cricket. “I’ve learned that you’re never out of games. I know I have players with a lot of character, a willingness to win, a desire to win a lot, but also that calmness under pressure.”He insists that this belief is what keeps England heading towards the semi-finals against the hosts. He added: “I want to make it as uncomfortable as possible for the batsman who comes in at all times,” emphasizing the aggressive mentality in England.
Despite poor returns from white-ball star Jos Buttler and inconsistent outings from Phil Salt, Brook has thrown his weight behind his top order. “I think Gus should be left alone. He’s one of the best players to ever play the game and I can see him coming along well,” he said. “We have so many strong players in the top seven that if one of them goes out, the opponent will scratch his head.”Brook also paid particular praise to all-rounder Willjack, describing his first World Cup as “extraordinary”.
“He embraced the position and performed very well. The character he showed was fantastic.”With India supported by a roaring crowd, Brock realizes that the stage will be difficult. “It will be a loud, huge event with a lot of pressure on both sides,” he said.But if England’s campaign has proven anything, it’s this: write them off at your own risk.
