England had a few narrow wins against minnows like Nepal, Scotland and Italy in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. But they found their mojo in the Super Eights by remaining unbeaten with wins over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand.
Captain Harry Brook thinks those hard-fought victories would prove valuable heading into the semifinal clash against India in Mumbai on Thursday.
“We are managing to scrape along in close games and that is the sign of a good side,” Brook told Sky Sports Cricket.
“I have learned you are never out of games. I know I have players with a lot of character, a willingness to win, wanting to win a lot, but also that calmness under pressure.”
“I want to make it as uncomfortable as possible for the batter coming in at all times,” Brook also said.
Brook expects England to put their best foot forward against India and also backed the batters in the top-order who have struggled to get going.
“We are all really excited. I have already heard a few lads say they wanted to play India anyway. It is going to be a massive occasion with a hell of a lot of pressure for both sides,” Brook said.
“India obviously have a hell of a lot of support and I’m not sure there are going to be many people behind us. It’s going to be loud. Hopefully we can play our best cricket.
“I am excited for the lads up top. I feel they are one step closer to taking the game away from a side. I don’t think there is any weakness in the top order at all. The lads have just struggled a little bit and not got the runs they always get.”
Jos Buttler has had a bad tournament so far, averaging just 8.85 with five successive single-figure scores. Another player, Phil Salt too has found it difficult to get going barring that knock of 62 against Sri Lanka in the Super Eights. But Brook is confident of Buttler bouncing back.
He 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 awesome other lads have been able to step up. There have been performances throughout. We have so many powerful players in the top seven that if one comes off, the opposition are scratching their heads and don’t really know where to go.”
Will Jacks would be a key player for England in the semifinal against India. The allrounder has been exceptional in the tournament and Brook is confident of another great show from the player.
Brook said: “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 thanks-for-coming game. He didn’t bowl, didn’t bat and got the ball once or twice in the field.
“We said to him it was a role that gives you a lot of reward when you do win games and that you are playing this role or it is hard for you to get in the side.
“He has embraced that position and done exceptionally well. The character he has shown has been awesome.”
