Mumbai, March 3 Ahead of a high-stakes T20 World Cup semifinal against hosts India, captain Harry Brook insists that England's hard-fought victories earlier in the tournament could prove invaluable on Thursday.
Brook's side narrowly progressed through the group league stage with hard-fought wins over Associate nations Nepal, Scotland, and Italy, while suffering a heavy defeat to two-time champions West Indies.
However, they performed well in the Super Eights and entered the semifinals undefeated, having beaten Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and then New Zealand, against whom they needed just 43 runs in the final 18 deliveries.
"We are managing to scrape through close games, and that is a sign of a good team," Brook told Sky Sports Cricket.
"I have learned that you are never out of a game. I know that I have players with a lot of character, a willingness to win, and the ability to remain calm under pressure."
Brook added, "I want to make it as difficult as possible for the batter coming in at any time."
White-ball great Jos Buttler has had a difficult time in the tournament so far, averaging just 8.85 after five successive single-figure scores, while Phil Salt has struggled, except for his 62 against Sri Lanka in the Super Eights match.
Brook is now expecting his side to play their best cricket against India.
"We are all really excited. I have already heard a few lads say they wanted to play against India anyway. It is going to be a massive occasion with a lot of pressure on both sides."
"India obviously have a huge amount of support, and I'm not sure there will be many people cheering us on. It's going to be loud. Hopefully, we can play our best cricket."
"I am excited for the players up front. I feel they are one step closer to taking the game away from the opposition. I don't think there is any weakness in the top order at all. The players have just had a few struggles and haven't been able to get the runs they usually get."
Backing Buttler completely, the captain said, "I think Jos should be left alone. He is one of the best players to have ever played the game, and I can see him coming good."
"It's great that other players have also been able to step up. There have been great performances throughout. We have so many powerful players in the top seven, and if one of them comes off, the opposition will be scratching their heads and won't know where to go."
England's most valuable player of the tournament, Will Jacks, has been contributing handsomely with both bat and ball, and could be key against India.
Brook said of the Surrey all-rounder: "Jacks has been outstanding. To do that in his first proper World Cup, playing every game, is phenomenal."
"We chatted to him in Sri Lanka (during the pre-World Cup tour) when he had a thank-you game. He didn't bowl, didn't bat, and got the ball a couple of times in the field."
"We told him that it was a role that gives you a lot of reward when you win games, and that if he doesn't play this role, it will be hard for him to get into the side."
"He has embraced that position and has done exceptionally well. The character he has shown has been awesome."
