“If one of the top seven batters comes off, the opposition are scratching their heads” - Harry Brook warns India ahead of semi-final

England skipper Harry Brook has stated that his team has a strong and deep batting line-up, with so many powerful hitters in the top seven that if one comes off, the opposition bowlers would be scratching their heads.

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Notably, Brook’s comments came in the pre-match talk with the reporters ahead of the much-awaited second semi-final between India and England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, March 5.

“It’s awesome that 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,” Brook said as quoted by Sky Sports.

It’s important to note that England had a scratchy tournament so far, losing to the Caribbeans in the group stage and managed a four-run win over Nepal in their campaign opener. Moreover, their victories in the Super8 round were a bit unconvincing. However, Brook is seeing it as the sign of a good side.

“We are managing to scrape along in close games and that is the sign of a good side. 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,” he added.

“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. India obviously have a hell of a lot of support and I’m not sure there are going to be many people behind us,” he stated.

Notably, opening batter Jos Buttler managed to score only 62 runs from seven innings in the ongoing campaign at an average of 8.85 and a strike rate of 106.89. Nevertheless, Brook backed the veteran batter to come out stronger in the must-win clash against India.

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“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,” Brook concluded.

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