'England will need something extraordinary to beat India,' says Paul Collingwood - Cricket Winner

The T20 World Cup 2024 has come to its final stage as only semifinal and final matches are left. However, India and England will lock horns for the second semi-final as well as South Africa and Afghanistan will play the first. India are unbeaten in the tournament so far and they will try to win the ICC Trophy, which they failed to win in the last 11 years.

Meanwhile, former England skipper Paul Collingwood said that India have a well-rounded squad and the defending champions England would need something extraordinary to beat Rohit Sharma-led Indian team this time. Collingwood applauded Jasprit Bumrah’s current form as the pace bowler has been unplayable in the tournament with an amazing economy of 4.08 as well.

Speaking exclusively during the Star Sports Press Room, he said, “India, with their well-rounded squad, stands out particularly for Jasprit Bumrah’s current form. He’s fit, accurate, fast, and highly skilled. No team seems to have an answer for him. In a 120-ball game, having someone like Bumrah with his pace for 24 balls makes a huge difference. India has looked confident even in tough situations and on difficult pitches in America. Their batters, like Rohit Sharma who played a magnificent innings against Australia, seem to be back in form. Honestly, I can’t see India losing this time. England will need something extraordinary to beat them.”

Paul Collingwood also spoke On England’s approach in the knockout stages as well. He said, “England has a knack for raising their game in knockouts. They somehow manage to play freely without any pressure. I remember the Adelaide match where India set the target. Now, England plays a more aggressive style, especially at the top order, when setting their own totals. This makes their upcoming match against India even more dangerous. England is capable of achieving great things.”

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England have a mixed campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024

He further added, “Jos Buttler’s form has improved, and his confidence is high. Having a captain in such good form, with a positive attitude in the dressing room, makes a big difference. It creates a calmer atmosphere. The match-up will be magnificent, with both sides adopting an ultra-aggressive approach. The surface in Guyana will be crucial. On a flat pitch, England has the upper hand with their ability to overpower teams. However, a slow, turning pitch would favour India.”

However, Paul Collingwood opened up about England’s previous plans against India’s current mentality. He also said that back in 2022, India’s game plan was conservative but now their approach has changed totally and they tend to play an attacking brand of cricket as well.

Collingwood said, “The previous plan was to attack India aggressively from the start. However, a team like India can’t be surprised by that tactic. In 2022, when India batted first, we knew we could restrict them. Back then, India played conservatively, especially in the first 10 overs, and then tried to catch up later. But as we discussed, India’s approach has changed. They understand that this strategy won’t win World Cups. They need to take risks, be brave, and express themselves freely.”

“This new mentality might be criticized if it fails, but to win World Cups, you need to be ahead of the curve and adapt to what other teams are doing globally. England has been doing this for years. India has just caught up in the recent past. This makes them a much more dangerous opponent. Batting first, they could potentially score a total far beyond England’s reach. That’s the exciting thing about this clash. It’s a great prospect for world cricket – two strong teams going head-to-head,” he shared again.

Collingwood also opined on the Best Opening Pair (India vs. England), “England shouldn’t compare themselves to other teams. Phil Salt’s performance for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL was remarkable. He’s a true modern-day opener, fearless from the first ball and willing to take risks. Having such a player puts pressure on the opposition. Salt has a great eye and settles in quickly. He doesn’t need many deliveries to get going. However, I’ve noticed that if Salt gets out early, Buttler tends to play more cautiously. On the other hand, against the USA, Buttler went berserk while Salt played a more conservative role. They complement each other well as a partnership. Both are destructive players. If they both have a good day, it will be a thrilling match and very difficult to stop them.”