Graeme Swann believes that England’s T20 World Cup match in opposition to Australia is now “must win” after their opening washout in opposition to Scotland.
Scotland set England a goal of 90, adjusted to 109 with DLS, on the Kensington Oval in Barbados earlier than rain introduced an finish to proceedings, leaving every workforce to take a degree in Group B.
Nevertheless, England had been unable to take a wicket and seemed sloppy in patches, Mark Wooden overstepping to see his wicket denied for a no ball, whereas Chris Jordan struggled as George Munsey and Michael Jones punished his bowling with boundaries.
Swann, regardless of remaining optimistic about England’s probabilities, believes Jos Buttler’s facet now should beat their previous foe to maintain their hopes of retaining the title alive.
“We have been talking up England’s chances because they have got a very, very good chance of winning this World Cup,” Swann advised Sky Sports activities.
“I believe on paper we’re as robust a workforce as anyone and Australia are the workforce to beat.
“The workforce that we beat in 2010 was Australia in Barbados, there are a lot of parallels.
“We win this, win the tournament, win the Euros, and everyone is happy.
“I’ve to apologise to all Scotland followers since you clearly took the climate out with you so it’s your personal fault that you simply did not get the win.
“It is very difficult to enter a tournament if you are not 100 per cent and going at it. I don’t think England were on the money and were a bit sloppy and that showed in the fact that Scotland looked the better team.
“I nonetheless assume England would have received had it not rained as a result of I’m a without end optimist.
“But I do think it puts the next game against Australia as a must win. They need to go with a very aggressive attitude and take them on. If they go at them hard they can win.”
The match in opposition to Scotland noticed Jofra Archer’s return to the England facet within the nation of his start and Swann believes the paceman will likely be key if England are going to dominate groups within the competitors when he begins to select up wickets.
“With Jofra Archer back in the team and that sheer pace he has got England look very, very dominant on paper but it didn’t quite happen on the field,” Swann mentioned.
“Sometimes that happens. Credit to Scotland, they did bat very well. But I think England’s strong bowling line up, with Mark Wood and Archer and the world class spinners, I think we have got a bowling line-up that can win this tournament and I think they will take wickets in the next game.
“I hope so, in any other case it may very well be an early flight dwelling.
“Archer will be vital. He is quick enough and good enough. With him fit and firing and Wood fit and firing at the other end, they are the best in the world.
“Being sharper and never as sloppy is the best way ahead.”
Though there have been clear points in England’s opening encounter in opposition to Scotland, Swann stays ever the optimist and believes that England will end the event as back-to-back T20 World Cup champions.
“I think England will win. I look at the team who won it in 2010, my team. Well, I wasn’t captain but that I played,” he added.
“We would obviously beat this current team but there are a lot of parallels and I think they can do it.
“Australia are one of many groups to beat and India. Look out for India, on paper they’re phenomenal.
“Off the back of the IPL, they are in form, they are desperate to win an ICC tournament.
“I’m a bit fearful about India however ever the optimist, come on England!”
What’s subsequent?
Pakistan’s assembly with USA in Texas is one in every of 4 matches on Thursday, with Scotland – whose Group B opener in opposition to England was deserted as a consequence of rain – going through Namibia in Barbados (8pm).
Australia’s first Group B fixture is in opposition to Oman in Barbados (1.30am), whereas Papua New Guinea deal with Uganda in Guyana in Group D (12.30am).
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